Poppies and Papercuts

Someone Got Big

2011-09-10T12:03:00.000-06:00

This is Emerson's birthweek. Yes, that's right, "week". Days just aren't good enough around here.

I panic a little when I think about how quickly those days have turned into years and how they have flown by. I vividly remember looking in the backseat of our car on the way home from the hospital and seeing his tiny newborn body. I remember thinking how scared I was of him. How fragile he was, how inadequate I felt. I remember how tired I was from lack of sleep and how frustrated I was from not knowing how to console his crying. I remember thinking my life would never be the same. And I am so glad that it is not.

This little guy has brought more happiness and fulfillment into my life than I could have ever imagined. My love for him is a mighty love. A love that is felt and stored deep inside the soul. If I think about it too much, I cry. It is unwavering and steadfast. He is my champion. It is my goal to be his. I want him to be a good boy. I want to be a good mom. He makes me laugh, he includes me in his imagination, he tells me when I am out of line, he comforts me during hard times. His smile is medicine and his arms around me is the greatest feeling in the world. He is the perfect kind of silly. He is a tease and a jokester.

Oh, this kid. What would I ever do without him?

Emerson, you are wonderful, special and kind. You are tender. You have a hunger for what is right and what is true. You listen and obey. You are wise beyond your years. An old soul. You don't understand mean people. That is a good thing. Just stay away from them. You crave kisses and hugs. You are very good at showing your love. You are a marvelous and willing helper. Thank you for that. Service is love. Your giggle is contagious. You don't take yourself too seriously. You find joy in life. That's what it is all about.

Keep smiling kiddo.

Mommy loves you, oh yes I do.

Oh My 4th of July!

2011-07-05T14:30:00.001-06:00

The 4th of July is my very favorite holiday! Yes, I love Halloween and Christmas, too, but there is just something special about a summer celebration! We got home from an 8 day road trip on Sunday night (photos to come) and I wondered if I had it in me to keep the party going for one more day. Who am I kidding - of course I did! This year we attended the annual Yarro party in Wallsburg and as always, Ralph and Jackie outdid themselves and were indeed the host and hostess with the mostest! We had such a great time and we always look forward to attending this party every year!

Ralph had the lake stocked with fish this year, so you know what that means...

that Wes will cease any opportunity to pull out the ol' fly rod! Despite the masses of cotton floating on the top, he was able to catch one! Catch and release only for this guy!

Canoeing on the lake was a favorite activity for many. Emerson included!

I could squeeze his guts out!

They never fail to include all the kids in on the fun!

Emerson was in heaven the whole time!

All I can think of when I look at this photo is "Lucky Dad!" Such sass coming from "his girls".

"My boys" as Wes would say.

Swinging from the rafters is a must!

The party barn where dinner was served followed by a pie contest! BBQ and pie - it was pretty all American!

I may not look so great in this pic, but I love Wes and Emerson's expressions so we'll use it and pretend I don't look angry in it.

I wanted to take this horse home with me! He got spooked when someone would set off any fireworks. He would run around his pasture in circles and then come back for a little love and a scratch!

We learned something new about E that day. He LOVES to dance and dance all day and night! When I asked him why he didn't ever dance like that at home he said, "We don't have a ball that makes sparkles and lights on the wall". Oh, no wonder.

Check out those pants! Now that is a sure sign that this kid had a great time! Clean kids are boring kids! Also, the humidity was so high yesterday that it made his hair curl up and stand on end!

I figured out my camera's ISO right as the fireworks were getting set off! They were a little illegal and a lot rad! It was the perfect ending to a perfect day! Looking forward to next year.

Thank you Yarro family for such a great time! We love you and America!

Good Times

2011-06-24T11:55:00.000-06:00

Maybe demanding a little attention from the Lord above isn't such a bad thing. Apparently I got his attention and thankfully my efforts were not in vain! Thanks for the hand up big guy - you're truly the best!

Summer has officially started and we have squeezed some seriously good times into the last few days. I saw a blog post awhile back where the family made a summer checklist and I thought it was such a great idea that we made one for our little family, too. There are a lot of lofty goals (canoe the Jordan River? I don't know, Wes!) on the list but we are not the kind of family to take summer lightly. I trust that we will get most of it done! Most.
(just added to the list: 5K MUD RUN!)

We kicked off the list by attending the Chalk Art Festival held at the Gateway this past weekend. Wes was working so Mr. Little Jeans and I headed out to see the talent scribbled across the streets!

There were so many great drawings, done by all ages and all levels of expertise!

It drew in thousands of people and there also was live music and games for the kids. It was fun to see so much activity! We like to be a part of the happenings and the hustle and bustle of downtown SLC!

I love Norman Rockwell so this was my very favorite! Not only do I love the original image, but the chalk artist did a very good job recreating it on the street!

This drawing of the Monster's Inc. movie was done by a young artist and it was Emerson's favorite! He wanted a picture by it even though the ground was hot and burning his hands!

Enough already!

2011-06-08T10:26:00.003-06:00

I really like blogging. Seriously, I do. But you know what really makes blogging all the more worthwhile and significant? When you actually have something to blog about. As of right now, I am feeling a little frustrated that we have been dealt a bad hand...for the last 6 freaking months! I'm pretty tired of it. I would like to blog about all our fun experiences and family outings, but there just hasn't been any. For the past 4 weeks the whole family has managed to get sick. Really sick. Beyond belief sick. Stay away from our house and nail a quarantine sign to our door sick. You know, because we TOTALLY needed that after such a stellar year we have had already! Seriously.

Heavenly Father if you are listening, this is my plea to you:

ENOUGH ALREADY! O.K? There are so many things we would like to do, places we would like to visit and people we would like to see. Places that you yourself created and people you yourself placed into our lives. Isn't that ironic? You managed to make such an intriguing cosmos for us all to dwell and behold, all within 7 days, mind you, so it seems like you are a pretty talented and gifted guy. Wouldn't it be great if we were actually able to go out into that incredible world, all with awesome wonder!? Novel idea, isn't it? Do you think maybe...just maybe you could be a little kinder to us from now on so that we don't have to chalk 2011 up as being the absolute worst in the history of the Holmes family? Think about it and let me know. I'll be sitting here waiting to hear from you. Not patiently, however, because I feel like that whole virtue has since ran it's course. But I will be sitting here with my sinus infection-turned eye infection-turned ear infection, holding my child while he coughs up a lung onto my shirt while my husband slaves away at his job, body aching and fever rising along with the excruciating feeling of swallowing shards glass down his tender and sore throat, and wait for you to just cast a tender blessing upon this house that all will be well. You can do it, I know you can. I believe in you. Literally. You seem like a pretty cool, decent, "down to earth" (no pun intended) guy. So I've heard. I've heard this a lot...all my life, actually. On Sundays, in particular. As hideously disgusting as begging and whining is, I'm not above it. PLEEEASE make us well. PLEEEASE stop trying to teach us a lesson, PLEEEASE just do nice things for us, now. I think it's time and I think we might deserve it. And, as always, we would be forever grateful.

Love you, miss you, wish you were here...

Your earthly defeated daughter, Amy

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Please don't leave me a spiritually boosting comment/reminder. I don't really need them...this was all in good fun!

(mmmmkay Mom?)

Pedal Pusher!

2011-05-10T23:11:00.003-06:00

Before I had a child and even way before I was married, I would daydream about what "it" all would be like. You know; family life. After all, daydreaming is what consumes nearly every spare minute of my time and with my aberrant imagination, I think I'm pretty good at it. I pictured my future husband (who of course had to be handsome and charming) and I devoting our weekends to the aisles at Home Depot, picking out paint colors for our first home. While painting said house, we would dab paint on each other's noses and think it was cute and giggle over how silly and in love we were. I had these visions of myself holding my baby in a rocking chair with said handsome husband standing by my side, hand on my shoulder, smiling slightly while soaking it all in with copious amounts of adoration for us. I pictured us all picnicking in the mountains, basking in the sun and frolicking in the meadow and bending down every few minutes to pick a wildflower to press between my Steinbeck novel. And let's not forget about all the "firsts" in life: I daydreamed about baby's first steps, about our first soccer game/dance recital attendance and most definitely...about my child learning to ride their bike for the first time. I pictured this said event in the front of our first home - that was neatly painted with silly love and while said adoring handsome husband cheered on said child who was wearing some sort of shirt I made from dried wildflowers. Today I realized two things: 1) that life is not a distorted sitcom from the 50's and 2) that while some dreams do come true (I got the adoring handsome husband at least!), there are also some that don't.

Teaching (by myself, mind you!) my 3 yr. old to ride a bike in the aisle at Wal-Mart was definitely never an image I concocted and then enjoyed revisiting in my head. Never. I didn't want it this way and my head is still trying to accept it's unconventionality.

(p.s. don't you love the boots!)

At least it's done and the skill has been learned! He did a great job and regardless of how and where it happened, the look on his face was still quite dreamy! He was so happy and pride radiated from his beaming smile! We will be pricing out bikes tomorrow and purchasing one for the little guy. At last, I can act out my long time fantasy of family bike rides around the neighborhood while waving to everyone pruning their rose gardens on warm summer days and then coming home and cooling off with fresh squeezed mint basil lemonade! How perfectly exciting! And Wes, if you ever dab paint on my nose thinking it's cute and silly, I will spit on you and then cry.

More Moab, Please!

2011-04-17T21:11:00.002-06:00

This weekend, we packed up our Subaru and headed southeast for a little red dirt action! We have been checking the weather forecast for several weeks and patiently waited for a perfect time to go between Wes' shifts, only having to reschedule on several occasions. We were a little nervous that we wouldn't be able to go yet again when Emerson came down with a bad fever and cough on Wednesday. I figured if he could be sick at home, he could be sick in Moab, just the same! Maybe breathing in a little fresh, warm air for a change would do him some good! I cannot even tell you in words how good this trip felt - it did me some good! It was medicine for my soul! We had such a great time and the weather was BEAUTIFUL! We even.....wait for it......WORE SHORTS! Let's not talk about how ridiculous my white legs looked in them. Wes kept his sunglasses on for safety!

Our first stop was Arches Nat'l Park. This place is faaaaaar better than Canyonlands! If you have a family with small children and are thinking about hitting Canyonlands Nat'l Park....think again! It is so much freaking driving on windy (not windy as in blowing, but windy as in curvy!) roads, you can't see very much from the car and there aren't really any short, kid friendly hikes. Booooo!

When I told Emerson that we were going to a place that had lots of red dirt he said, "Dirt!? Can I bring my diggers and dump trucks?" Of course you can, little man! Knock yourself out!

Little E perched on Wes' shoulders next to Balance Rock.

We had to take the small hike to see the famous Delicate Arch instead of the longer one that takes you right to it. Touring this park with a toddler is so much different than it was 10 years ago!

We put our physical endurance to the test and ran up this steep sand hill. Have you ever tried this!? It will kick your trash! I was so tired and out of breath! I want to do it again!

Running/jumping down it is way more fun!

We didn't realize when we booked our hotel room (it's still a little too chilly for camping!) that this past weekend was the beginning of the annual Jeep Safari. We went to see some rock crawlers attempt Potato Salad. So scary! This event draws over 4,000 people each year!

We also didn't realize that our son was an avid climber! He loved all the rocks, hikes and sand to play in. This place is paradise for little boys! Don't worry...Wes was right by his side but stepped out of the way so I could get the picture. We are not bad parents, I promise!

It is also paradise for big boys!

We loved exploring and finding our own adventures!

How lucky we are to live in Utah and have such a great place, that is so close, that we can just run off to on a moments notice! It was a perfect little get away!

Grieving

2011-03-17T19:40:00.000-06:00

Thank you, Mommy, for saying and sharing what I am not yet strong enough to.

http://ostlerblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/life-is-not-always-easy.html

Expecting

2011-01-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

Yep, just like the title says, we are expecting our second child! We had planned on keeping it a secret until we were further along and in the "safe zone", but this pregnancy is pretty much a copy cat of the first one which means, I am sick, sick sick! Hiding it has been nearly impossible as I am not able to attend any functions, meetings or keep up on any of my responsibilities! So rather than everyone thinking I am a slacker, an inactive member of our church or a bad mother, we decided to just let you all know and save everyone the hassle of guessing! I am lucky enough to have a loving husband that has been more than helpful and has been catering to my every need and to also have so many of our family members close enough to watch Emerson and giving me the peace of mind that he is being loved and well cared for! I know that I am in good hands! So until, this trimester is over and things are on the mend, you will probably not be seeing or hearing much from me. Dang, I had so may good posts I wanted to do!

Someday...someday!

Be Thankful

2010-11-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

Life if full of unexpected twists and turns. It may consist of turmoil and sorrow. Our peaceful and optimistic days may take a short detour at times.

Be thankful for all of it. The good and the bad.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rocktober - Part 3

2010-11-17T17:44:00.002-07:00

-Halloween was a big hit with the young and old alike in this house! For WEEKS Emerson would tell us he didn't want to be "nussin" (a.k.a. "nothing") for Halloween. He didn't like the thought of dressing up and he refused to wear any body altering costume, any kind of mask or any makeup. When we saw a firefighter costume on a mannequin in the window at Carter's, that's all it took! He was sold! Of course we couldn't argue with that! We were also pleased to find that the costume was 60% off and Wes gets the fore hats for free at work, so his costume cost us less than $20! Man, was I glad that was all figured out and settled!

My 2 firefighters looking handsome and hungry for candy!

Our ward had a trunk-or-treat party at the church. Since you never know what kind of weather you are going to get in Utah in October, they hold it inside the halls and everyone lines up chairs and hands out candy to the little passer byes.

E hangs with his only friend at church or in the neighborhood. Isaac is still 1.5 years older, but hey, Emerson will take what he can get! There are NO young kids around here!

(we have more pics or E on Halloween night, but they are on my mom's camera and she is more behind in blogging than I am!)

After the part at church, Wes and I dropped E off at my parents house and we drove to Provo to hit the Call's annual Halloween party. I look forward to this party each year because the costumes are always sooo good! There are some clever people out there! Wes and I decided to dress up as Mexican Day of the Dead souls! This was probably my favorite costume that we have worn over the years!

Wes with the hostess with the mostest: Molly Call. My brother-in-law Matt looking classy as ever dressed as Adam!

The world's first husband and wife in flesh toned spandex! Matt and Colett "covered" all the essentials of achieving a great costume!

P.S. Matt's tattoo is a heart and inside it says Adam+Lilith with the name Lilith being crossed out and the name Eve written under it. I didn't get the joke so they had to explain it to me!

Stephanie and I take a moment from dancing the night away to pose for a pic.

My beauty of a sister sporting a blond wig and dressed at Eve. I tell her all the time that it is not fair how photogenic she is. SO not fair. I was having a really great time, but it just seemed odd to smile big when I am suppose to be dead. I had to play the part!

Partying like it's 1999! Molly and Duane have turned their garage into a party room! Not just for that night but for every night! Love it!

Other events from October that filled my busy schedule:

-Brunch with Deborah and Heidi at Ruth's Diner

-LDS General Conference

-YW activities

-Play group at the zoo

-Lunch with Meg at Thanksgiving Point

-My brother and is family came to town

-My niece, Holly's, birthday party

-My nephew, Alex, goes in for surgery at Primary Children's Hospital (and is STILL there!)

-DIY Club

-Guest posted at The Stationary Place

-Accomplishing one of my New Year's goals (stay tuned!)

-Neighborhood cleanup

-Freshly Picked Project Runway party in Provo

-Attended Wes' cousin, Laura and her new hubby's wedding reception

I am so glad these posts are done. I can now finally move on to November!

Rocktober - Part 2

2010-11-12T15:35:00.003-07:00

We are fortunate enough to live very close to Engh Gardens. Every year they do an amazing set up for Halloween complete with a haystack maze and pirate ship! Emerson LOVES to go here and even when it's June and we drive by it, he refers to the nursery as "Halloween Place". They do a great job and we really look forward to going there each October. The pumpkins are astronomically expensive so we just get our pictures taken by them and then leave to go buy ours at the grocery store.

Throw some sass into the pic, why don't you?

Aye aye, matey!

I think next year the maze not be as fun since he will be able to see over it!

Boo! He loved it when I would hide and crouch around a corner and scare him!

Mr. Scarecrow (and his crotch) says he is a little over 3 feet tall.

His love of tractors is never ending!

Hey there!

Oh this kid is fun! And to top it off, he is a handsome little guy! I just love these pictures!

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We also went to my sister's house and carved pumpkins for FHE one night. This too is a tradition for our family. I seriously love everything about Halloween. I love the guts and gore, the horror and mystery, I love the food and the crisp air, I love the parties, decorations and crafts. But, I did discover something about myself this year, however: I don't really like to carve pumpkins. I don't like getting my hands, and arms messy, I don't like cleaning up the mess off the table and floor, I can never get my lines and cuts into the pumpkin to look good and I never feel creative enough to come up with something clever for the face. And the whole time I am carving it (and getting a workout, might I add!) I can't help but think that some jackass of a teenager is going to steal it off my porch and smash it in the road. It all bothers me and I think I'm done with it.

It was really fun to just be with my family. The kids were really enjoying themselves and that's all that matters!

My dad helped E with is pumpkin!

Isabelle and Toby are hard at work!

Colett make rice crispy treats every year. She actually makes them all the time, but my dad always requests them when we carve pumpkins. We don't like to break tradition in this family. Colett has mastered the art of rice crispy treats and I must say that they are the best I have ever eaten!

Matt is an artist, not as a profession but as a hobby. He has done a Halloween painting every year for the last 3 years. I love them!

After 3 years, Emerson is still trying to warm up to Matt! Still.

This is where it gets funny! After taking photo after photo that night - it somehow turned into a big photo bomb session! I cannot look at this picture without laughing hysterically! I think it is so funny and if you know my brother-in-law, it's even more funny!

Toby, this picture is absolutely darling of you! Sorry we had to go and ruin it!

What lovely pumpkins, Mom and Dad but what's that behind you? Awe Nick - so funny!

Who doesn't love the subtle and ever so classic bunny ears! Way to go, Dad!

Rocktober - Part 1!

2010-11-08T17:37:00.002-07:00

We took last month by storm! October didn't even stand a chance. We rocked it. I looked at my calendar and gasped at the amount of things we had (and got) to do! There were 14 straight days that we had some sort of obligation to attend. By the 15th day, I pretty much collapsed and laid in bed all day. It was a whirlwind of a month and as much as I may have whined about it, I loved it!

We did our annual Sundance visit. We thought there would be a lot more colors on the mountain sides, but with it being such a strange, warm Fall, all the leaves were either still green or they were dead. Not much of an array this year!

Our Kodak moment

Looking at the fish in the pond with token sucker in hand. No trip to Sundance is complete without a sucker!

Riding the ski lift to the top. I thought E would be a little freaked out but he loved it!

Even without all the beautiful Fall colors, it is still a sight to see! We were not disappointed one bit! The tip of Timpanogos is socked in the clouds!

We have a little tradition of taking this exact same picture every year!

For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies!

Hello down there! My mom and dad give us a wave!

When we left the house we realized that all of us were wearing our skinny grey jeans. How dorkalicious!

The art shack at the resort holds pottery classes. This is just a little reminder to my husband that I want to do this. Hint hint, my dear!

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Wes and I also got to go to a haunted house this year for one of our date nights. We try VERY hard to have a date once a week because I think it is so important in a marriage. Nothing reeks romance as much as a haunted house! We met Colett and Matt and also Matt's family there. Destination: The Haunted Forest in Pleasant Grove!

They don't allow cameras inside so we only got to take a few in the parking lot!

This guy is giving Wes some steep competition!

Matt lost a few lbs. this summer and we are thinking he looks mighty fine!

Oh yes she did! Colett is indeed picking this guys nose!

Wheeler Farm Fun

2010-09-27T19:57:00.006-06:00

A few days ago, my mom and I took E to Wheeler Farm. I just love this place! I love how rural and unexpected it is in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. I love being able to see the animals up close and to study their behaviors and personalities. I love that it has picnic tables under the tall cottonwood trees so that we can have a picnic. I love that it is just a hop, skip and a jump from our house. I love that it is free.

We like free things. Clearly.

*warning: I took A LOT of pictures that day!*

I spotted these guys crossing the road. It immediately reminded me of the Abbey Road album cover:

We always have to check out the tractors of years past.

Dude. Chill out! Did someone wake up on the wrong side of the hen house? Oh, you weren't allowed to even be with the hens? I understand, now.

E was so confused as to why goats and sheep both say "BAAAA"

Basking in the hot sun. These ladies have the life of luxury here on the farm!

Mom and E

Bumpy rainbow skin. Kind of gross.

"He never hit the breaks and he was shifting gears". (5 points to whoever can name that song!)

Giving him a big squeeze! He is pretty awesome!

E would get one tiny blade of hay, stick it through the fence and say "Come and get it"! So funny!

I want to come back in December with a mug of hot cocoa and take a Christmas hay ride on this!

Sealed with a kiss!

Oh mom! Close the door - we don't want to see that!

More angry hen hungry roosters.

Giddyup! Yeehaw! Rawhide!

I bought him this $2 tractor that fell apart an hour later. It was fun while it lasted!

Peek-a-boo! I see you!

He wouldn't come out of the treehouse so I had to crawl in and get him. I've seen a lot of Alfred Hitchcock films - this photo is a bit creepy!

Ryan Bingham Stole my Crazyheart!

2010-09-22T18:29:00.008-06:00

Earlier this month, Wes and I had the opportunity to go see this guy in concert!

You may not know who this guy is by photo, so let me just educate you a little here! His name is Ryan Bingham and he just happens to be the stealer of mine and yes, even Wes' heart! He won both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for his song "Weary Kind" from the movie Crazy Heart starring Jeff Bridges (who also won the Oscar for best actor in the movie!). We actually rented the movie via Redbox a couple of months ago and we both thought the movie was excellent and the music was even better! Then, coincidentally, Mr. Bingham came to Deer Valley to perform and the Park City Fire Dept. got a few complimentary tickets. We snagged a few and headed up the mountain!
(oh, if you turn up your speakers, you can hear him serenading me!)

When we got there, a lot of people had abandoned their place on the grass, blankets and all, and made their way to the front to be next to the stage. We followed suit and were able to get really close to the stage! It was chilly but Wes stood behind me and kept me warm!

I love that Wes and I have the same taste in music and we love to do the same things! It makes for a very fun marriage! We had a blast that night and have been listening nonstop to Ryan on our ipod. Yes, we are on a first name basis!

Giving him, well....his cardboard cutout, a nice big grope hug Amy style!

We also have a tradition of buying a band T Shirt for every show that we go to that blows us away! His shirts just happen to be the coolest in our collection so far!

P.S. After seeing this photo, I am really liking this new Target bra!

Celebrating #3

2010-09-21T12:26:00.003-06:00

Can you believe that my best little buddy turned 3 this month!? He is getting so big, so funny and so crazy smart! His current interests are anything construction related, music of all kinds, fire trucks, ice cream, swings and the sandbox. He loves his fruit and veggies but still can't chew meat very well. He is not a fan of naps but likes his baths and going to bed at night (thank goodness!). He doesn't like to let us help him with things and wants his independence but likes to cuddle and wrap his arms around our neck or legs and tell us that he loves us....often! Three is a fun age - a tough age - but still fun! He gives us a nervous breakdown every once in while but for the most part, he has been a really good and well behaved kid!

He has said some hilarious things to us this year and I'm not quite sure where he heard them. I remember he came into our room early one morning this summer while we were still sleeping and came over to my side of the bed. He stood there and looked at me for just a moment and said, "Where the heck have you been? You need to go take a shower!" Then there was another time when he and I were sitting on the couch talking and he said, "Get back to work you slacker!"

Here's to another fun and entertaining year with Emerson!

We decided not to have a party but to just give him his presents and cake at my parents house when we were there for our weekly Sunday dinner.

We made him open the least exciting present first: Clothing. We learned our lesson last year when he opened the most exciting gift first, then refused to open any more after that and cried when we wanted him to!

Daddy opens the John Deer tractor that Emerson received from my parents.

He loved the Imaginext from Colett and her family!

He was so thrilled with everything he got! He didn't even mind all the clothes! Maybe he has a little of his mommy in him after all!

The following Monday was his actual birthday so Wes got up at the crack of dawn and went to Harmon's Grocery to pick up 20 balloons. We were going to sneak into his room and tie them to the 4 corners of his bed so that when we woke up he would be surprised. But, the sound of 20 balloons trying to come down a hallway is REALLY loud! It woke him up and we just brought them into his room and sang happy birthday instead!

When we asked him what he wanted to do for his special day, he told us he wanted to go to the park. So we did! We also went to lunch at Rubios because he loves the chipotle salsa! We then went to Wes' parents house where he got spoiled a little more!

He just can't stand the suspense! What is it!!!???

A box set of Bob the Builder videos - oh my! He is in heaven!

This is what he does every time I tell him to smile! Such a silly kid! He thought his Cookie Monster cupcake was pretty cool too!

Oh...and just in case you were wondering what Wes and I got him for his birthday:

Thanks a million to our family's for helping us celebrate this little guy's existance! You are all wonderful!

Celebrating #7

2010-09-17T12:23:00.000-06:00

It is hard to believe that 8.5 years ago I met a great man. A man that I would fall head over heels for and that I would want to spend the rest of my life with. Now after celebrating 7 years of being married, I can still say that I am one lucky gal and that I love this man more with each passing day!

We decided to celebrate by packing several activities into one day! We dropped E off at my parents in the morning and headed up the mountain to Park City. A few months ago, Wes scored the highest on a course test at work and was rewarded by his department with 2 all access passes to the Park City Olympic Park. We thought our anniversary was the perfect opportunity to utilize them!

Wes is practicing his slalom racing on the virtual alpine course.

I, however, am thinking I missed my calling in life. I can swing into a bobsled in no time!

It was funny to see the costumes and props that were used for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics. I remember watching them on TV and thinking how boring it was! Because let's be honest, it was pretty bad!

The Australian olympic team was in town practicing so we hung out and watched them for awhile. Which didn't really make sense to us because isn't it winter in Australia right now? Anyway, you can see the brave little guy in the middle of the picture just above the trees.

We were given bracelets to wear that allowed us to get us on all the rides. That's right - we are XTREME!

I haven't ever seen the runs up close and they are soooo big! This photo doesn't do it justice! I was very awe struck!

This is what they cover the the runs with. Layers upon layers of long strands of wavy plastic. It's really slick and feels like wire.

Our passes got us rides on both zip lines (there is a small and a large one) and the alpine slide. This is the top of the small zip line.

Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Wes is trying to get his body in the most aerodynamic position.

Next stop: the alpine slide. We were a little confused as to why the worker guy was wearing a beanie in 90 degree weather.

A view from my coaster!

After we left the Olympic park, we headed downtown to enjoy some tasty food from Cedars of Lebanon. It was soooo good! I loved the ambiance more than anything and it was fun to eat off a platter on a coffee table and relax our full bellies on the big silk pillows!

After dinner, we headed to Pioneer Park to hear the sounds of Zooey Deschanel in her band She and Him. I love her and her music! We have been wanting to see them in concert for a long time and it just so happened they were in town on this very night - and it was FREE!

After elbowing our way through the drunken crowds we were able to get a really good spot to stand and watch about 30 feet from the stage.

Our Kodak moment!

When the concert was over we walked all over downtown. We checked out dark alleys, parking garages and we even climbed this stairway to get a better look at the skyline. Salt Lake is probably the only major city where you can feel safe walking around dark places!

We even decided to show off some of our talents.

Wes does a little parkour.

Ahhhhh! Good times, Wes! Let's do it again next year, and the year after that, and the year after that.....

Dear Denver, I Like You!

2010-09-13T14:08:00.000-06:00

I was home from Wyoming for only a week and a half before venturing onto my next destination. Denver, CO. My cousin Matt and his wife, Alex, were having an open house and vow ceremony to celebrate their wedding that had actually occurred year ago. The actual wedding was very small and intimate and held in Oregon on Alex's family's property. Only a handful of family and friends were able to go so they held this open house as a way for everyone to come and celebrate. The trip was originally going to be Wes and me with little E in the back seat once again and we were going to just follow my parents in their car. Wes decided to stay home with E at the last minute, my sister, Colett, decided she wanted to go too so it ended up that she and I just rode with my parents. I was really sad at first to not have my hubby and boy with me. I really wanted Wes to see Colorado and be able to go on another vacation with each other. But then reality set in and I thought of how great it was all going to be! No pushing a stroller everywhere, no one to get bored and annoyed while I shopped for 8 hours, no one to run around and have to be chased down the aisles at the Rockies game, no one to worry about what to eat for lunch because an ice cream cone for lunch just isn't sufficient enough! It was awesome!

No offense boys, I love you, but this was a great trip without you!

Our first stop was the Main Street Cafe in Grand Junction. It is a classic all American diner with the usual menu items and it's decorated in vintage memorabilia. The food was delicious!

The city has several large sculptures and art pieces throughout the streets and this one caught my sister's attention! Her climbing on it and riding it caught mine! Yee-Haw Lett!

Next stop: Vail. What do you do when on vacation in one of the most beautiful towns in the Rocky Mountains? You find a lot of photo ops! Cheeeeeese!

My father and mother. They kind of felt like the hosts of the party while my sister and I were like the hired entertainment.

A river runs through it. When your child or husband isn't with you on vacation, you end up getting a lot of pictures taken of yourself!

Vail. You rock.

Me and my sis.

I wish this was my view when I looked out my window. But, no.

The next day my dad and uncle went golfing and the girl's had a great day without them! We used my parent's GPS (aka Lulu) to navigate us though the city to all our shopping destinations! We spent the day shopping and touring the city waiting for my dad to meet up with us. It was so much fun and I am really glad that both my mom and sister love to shop as much as I do! We wore ourselves out!

We stopped at a cute little cafe and ate homemade ice cream. I got the salty caramel! Oh my! It was heaven on earth and I have been craving it ever since!

We finally met up with my dad and he took us all to a Rockies game that night. Our tickets may not have been the best, but the people watching and the mass amounts of food my dad bought for us was fantastic! In this picture my dad is saying, "Eat your heart out, Wes!' Seriously, he is!

Coors Stadium.

The players entering the field. Notice the fountains in the back. They shoot off whenever something exciting happens. The Rockies were playing the Milwaukee Brewers and were down quite a bit by the 7th inning so we decided to leave. Just so happens that right when we left, things got real exciting and the Rockies were able to pull ahead and win the game. We could hear the fans screaming as we walked down the street to the car!

Looking back at the stadium and wondering what all the cheering is for!

City of Denver. It is huge!

We walked around downtown on 16th street. We caught this guy playing his electric guitar in the alley. Way cool!

The next day we headed into Boulder where the reception was being held and where we planned to stay the night. Boulder is a big college town and it was back to school season so there were a lot of people in town. Boulder is very "earth friendly" and it was interesting place, to say the least.

There is a large promenade that is open only to pedestrians. There are street performers on every corner and we watched (and listened. yawn.) to this guy for awhile. Stop talking and do your thing Mr. Really Tall Unicycle Guy!

We hit the city's Saturday Farmer's Market. If you like lactose and gluten, this is not the place for you! If you like over the top all natural, organic and allergy free everything, this is the place for you. What I found really interesting is that everyone was so concerned with eating healthy, but the town is notorious for it's large consumption of alcohol (think Coors) and EVERYONE there smokes - tobacco and weed. Hmmm? I think I'll have that Duncan Hines made-from-a-box brownie with a tall glass of whole milk, please!

That evening we went to Matt and Alex's party. It was held at a little farm just outside of town and it was gorgeous! They used the produce from the farm to make the food that was served at the reception. Everything was delicious! Favorite tasty treat of the evening, SALTY CARAMEL cupcakes! How did they know I needed one of those?!

That evening we retired to our hotel room and hit the hay. We knew we had a long drive ahead of us in the morning.

We didn't make as many stops on the way home since he hit everything on the way there, but we did go into the gas station to pick up a few lottery tickets. The Denver Lottery jackpoct was up to almost 80 million! No such luck for me, though! It just wasn't my day to be rich, I guess!

Thanks mom and dad for toting me along! You guys are great tour guides and I hope I get to vacation with you again someday!

Family Vacation 2010 - Part 3

2010-09-09T16:12:00.002-06:00

The final photo chapter of the trip! I am really glad to get this whole catching up thing over with so that I can move onto things that are a little more current! The last leg of the trip was incredibly relaxing! There were a few days that we had to fill between the Pioneer Day celebration and the family reunion on my father's side. The reunion was held in the mountains just a few miles from my mother's side of the family. We got the whole gamut of family fun in on this trip!

One day we drove to a place that has a whole cliffside covered in pictographs. I had never seen any before so it was really interesting.

Here are my mother's parents in the visitor center.

A very small sample of what was written on the walls of this rock. It is unfortunate that parts of the wall have been vandalized. Stupid teenagers.

Me and my boy hiking and trying to stay cool in the 100+ degree temps. Oh my gosh, it was hot that day!

My grandfather, a bear hugger, a Patriarch and temple sealer. He is an incredible man and I love this picture of him.

I think this picture says, "We ate so much buffalo, all our bellies are bulging".

I love this little guy! He is my very best buddy!

The next day we went up to the Big Horn Mountains to scope out the site for the reunion. We had a picnic and did some great sightseeing. Emerson is a true mountain man! He was such a rock star and loved being up there!

Make a wish! Emerson doesn't quite grasp the concept of blowing and just makes a "ttthhhffff" sound. Daddy had to step in and help out!

The beautiful scenery of the Big Horn's.

Boyd's Ridge. A favorite lookout and the place where my father wants his ashes to be scattered someday. The camera doesn't do it justice. It honestly takes your breath away when you step out onto the ledge and see it all.

Emerson was quite scared being up here. He didn't want any part of it. My mom held him and took him to the car so he wouldn't be afraid anymore. Then he cried when he thought about Wes and me still at the overlook and told my mom to go and get us and tell us to get back because it was too scary. He didn't want us up there either. He is too cute!

It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's Wes acting insane!

The men got some good fly fishing in on this trip. My dad gearing up for a cast. The fly fishing is really good here!

The next day we drove back up the mountain to the reunion. It was such a beautiful location!

It was really great to see so many family members again! Some of which I have not seen (or met!) in over 20 years! Am I that old?

The men got the horse shoe pits ready for some serious competition!

My cousin Matt grilling up some good grub.

A volleyball game in the mountains has been a tradition in the family. There is a lot of trash talking that goes on in these games. It used to be that I would sit and watch all the adults play. Now I am one of them and the oldies sit on the sidelines and cheer us on!

The river runs through it. Literally. This was right next to our reunion site!

Wes showed Emerson how to roast a marshmallow. He liked the fire more than the marshmallow. Just like his old man!

The ride home went smoothly and effortless! Little E was worn out and took a few naps between Little Einstein and Toy Story videos.

It is hard to believe that it is all over! We had looked forward to that trip for SEVERAL months, planning and deciding where were going to go, stay and do. We are already planning next year's trip and I can't wait!

Family Vacation 2010 - Part 2

2010-09-03T20:57:00.001-06:00

After we left Cody, WY, we went straight west to the small town of Cowley where my grandparents and many other family members live. It is also referred to as "home" by my mother. I love this small little town so much I can't even begin to put it into words. I beg Wes on a near weekly bases to buy me a vacation home there. There is just something about this town that makes you feel so at home and so at peace. I have a thing for small towns, but this one holds a very dear place in my heart! Do you want to know a cool tidbit about the town? Cowley was established and settled by Mormon pioneers under the direction of Brigham Young. It was named after Matthias F. Cowley who was an apostle at the time of it's settlement. When Matthias came to dedicate the town he offered a prayer upon it. In his prayer he stated that all children who were raised in this town will be blessed and bestowed with a great talent in music. - It is true folks. The residents of this town, past and present, bear more musical talent than you could even dream! Because of it's rich Mormon heritage, they too celebrate Pioneer Day, just as Utah does. It is a great excuse for family and friends from all over the country to travel there and reunite. Hence our journey.

The water tower that sits in the center of the town's park.

The town's population grows from just under 600 to several thousand in a matter of 2 days. It's pretty incredible! Many people still refer to it's Pioneer Day as "Cowley Days or Cowley's Day" but it is not very P.C. to do so since several of the surrounding towns all come to participate as they were settled by pioneer as well. Don't make the mistake. Especially if someone from Byron (major rival!) is around!

Wes giving E his breakfast

This town's parade is not complete without these ladies!

Can you can can can?

After the parade all the grandkids dumped out their bags of candy on my grandparents table and had a

sugarfest, which will be pleasing to many dentist's pocketbooks in the near future!

The weekend was full of entertainment, BBQ's and games held in the town's park. We were fed quite well and it was nice to not have to worry about what we were going to cook each night! Sometimes the food was even free!

After the celebrating comes to an end, there was a lot of down time during the week to just relax, take long walks through the town and sit on the porch.

These Tiger Lilies have been coming up every Spring in the front of my grandparent's house for over 60 years.

There are days where I long to be in this exact spot. I get homesick for it and it makes my gut ache. The front porch is one of most favorite places to be and where I spent many hours during this trip.

I don't know if you know this, but Wyoming has some serious fireworks at a really good price. We took full advantage of it. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Utah!

Here is the view from my father's cousin's back yard. We stayed with him while we were there. He is like an uncle so I just call him Uncle Wilford instead of 2nd cousin Wilford. I think it's weird calling people "cousin" when they are 35 years older than me. Uncle Wilford owns a very large ranch and is surrounded by nothing but his crops in the fields and large cottonwood trees. Do you know how wonderful it is to leave your bedroom window open at night to feel the crisp air come in and hear NOTHING outside!?

We took Emerson to the park every night during the week, either before or after our walks through the town.

I may have participated in some of the fun.

To be continued. Again......

Family Vacation 2010 - Part 1

2010-09-02T12:00:00.005-06:00

After returning from YW Camp, there was very little time to rest and wind down. After only a few days of being home, we left to go on our 2 week family vacation to various parts of Wyoming! It was one of the best vacations we have ever had! There are so many great memories from this trip! After being away for 2 weeks, one would think that we would be ready to come home and get life back to normal, but no. Wes wanted to call in his next shift and get it covered so that we could stay for 1 more week! We didn't but I really wish we had!

Here are a few highlights from the first part of our trip!

**************************

Top 10 Favorite memories (in no particular order):

1. Wes asking the tourists in Yellowstone Park where the "famous Yellowstone Monkeys" were. All done in a British accent.

2. Hiking with Emerson to Lewis and Clark Falls. He was SOOO excited!

3. Walking the streets of Cody and window shopping with Emerson late at night after all the stores closed while Wes rested back at the Hotel.

4. Emerson hugging on a stranger's leg in Jackson, thinking it was Wes. The man was very nice but Emerson cried when he made the discovery.

5. Waking up to one of the most exciting, and horrible, lightening and rain storms in Jackson Hole's history. It was a nice break from Utah's 100 degree temps but unfortunately, 4 people were killed that day from it.

6. Always having to wear a jacket or sweater wherever we went. The weather was perfect for walking around and discovering new territory.

7. Waiting for a herd of buffalo (and their babies) to get away from our car so that we could get in it.

8. Emerson was a complete trooper in the car. He was so good and so patient and didn't even make us want to kick him out of the car!

9. Giving our sore buns a little break at Bear Lake for some milkshakes and burgers while eating on the picnic blanket under a tree.

10. Feeling small when seeing such a vast amount of country.

Bear Lake in the distance and Emerson saying, "I want to go there".

Charting our way

We made it to Bear Lake in no less than 6 hours! A much needed rest and wade in the waters was needed!

Finally made it to Jackson Hole that evening. Good thing I wore my camouflage for this picture! All I can see are my feet, arms and head! How funny!

Wes is a fan of ol' Ben (as you can see by the tender and endearing stroking of the hair) because he is the one that invented the Fire Department. Thanks for that one, genius!

The world famous Cowboy Bar.

Some day my prince will come! Just kidding, Wes!

This is the result you get when you have a very annoying stranger take your picture. I specifically asked that he get as much of the antlers in the photo as possible. I'm pretty sure we could of had this same picture taken in our backyard!!

Yellowstone Park in all her glory!

We made it!

It has been a lifelong dream of mine to stay at this lodge. You have to book almost a year in advance. Someday...someday.

Big hike for little legs!

Move along fatties! We need to get in our car without any trouble from you!

The most fascinating natural phenomenon!

Picture perfect day!

Emerson kept asking us "who tooted?" because of the sulphur smell! HA!

Baby buffalo. Looking very similar to a baby cow.

Getting into Cody later in the evening and checked into the historic Irma Hotel. I didn't take too many pictures since I have a ton from last year's trip.

We asked the lady at the check in desk if the hotel is haunted and it IS!

To be continued...........

Campy Girl's Camp

2010-08-23T12:52:00.002-06:00

I had quite the summer this year! I was out of town for most of it and the days that I was in town, we seemed to fill with either work or house projects! I started the summer off by going to our church's ever so anticipated Young Women's Camp! I was called to be the assistant camp director and was a little hesitant at first. I loved YW camp when I was growing up and have a lot of great memories (and many photos!) from it. I also love the mountains and camping is one of my favorite pastimes, so those were not a problem. But.....teenage girls? Performing a skit? Sharing a tent with strangers? A bad theme for the camp? How was I to get through it? Well, it turned out so much better than expected and I had such a great time! I learned to love these girls and leaders so much and they made me laugh and laugh and laugh some more! We didn't have any problems with cliques or cattiness, I got to sleep soundly in the back of a Durango - all by myself, we twisted the theme quite a bit to make it a lot less "jockish" (If that is even a word?) and the leaders were not required to participate in skit night! Ahhhhh!

We started the camp off with a hike right when we drove in. It was a 3 mile hike and it was really beautiful. I loved the smell of the pine trees and breathing in the fresh crisp air. Our camp site was at 9,700 feet!

The girls sang songs and cheers at they went down the trail. It was really cool to hear their distant voices echo through the woods.

We went back and set up our tents and decorated the campsite.

The girls were given backpacks, fabric lunch sacks and large stars to decorate and put their name on. They used the lunch sacks for their secret sister bags.

The theme for camp this year was: All S.T.A.Rs Which meant "ALways Stand for Truth And Righteousness. Our ward's color was green. The stake leaders wanted each ward to pick a professional athletic team that had the same colors as we did. We chose the Green Bay Packers. Ugh. Since I thought it was ridiculous to have our GIRL'S camp decked out in a football theme, we chose to take just the word "Packer" and center our theme around the verse, "Pack Light, Choose the Right" and based it off of a talk given by John Bytheway in which he said, "We can't change the trail we have in life, but we can make the hike easier if we change what's in our pack."

We really did have the best decorated campsite! I was in charge of crafts for the girl's and had them make these and these. They were both a success!

The girl's wrote and performed their own skit while us leaders just got to sit back and laugh!

We also did a service project for all the missionaries in the stake. We made them scarves, wrote them letters, made them cards to hand out to people on their mission who have helped them along the way, and we made them pillowcases. If/When I have a son in the mission field, I would want to know that people all over are thinking of him and doing nice things for him!

4 days later we packed it all up (no pun intended!) and were ready to come back home to our families. We had almost just as many leaders as we did girl's! Note to self: Take a group picture on the first day of camp and not the last! I was a little sad it was over and to see it all taken down and come to an end. I am actually looking forward to next year!

Late Night Swing

2010-06-28T08:51:00.003-06:00

It was 11:30 at night. Wes was on shift at the fire station. Neither Emerson nor I were the least bit tired. I thought a late night swing from the apricot tree would be fun. I wondered if I was being a bad mom for keeping my toddler up so late. He giggled, he laughed, he smiled from ear to ear as we swung in circles, back and forth, side to side, high and low. As I carried him back into the house, he wrapped his arms around my neck and said, "I love you, mamma!" I knew that I was not a bad mom at all.

Eggs and Uglies

2010-06-18T20:12:00.004-06:00

My mom and dad had some unexpected visitors these past couple of weeks. A robin had built it's nest under my parent's backyard deck and laid it's delicate blue eggs! The nest was on top of a support beam but under the floor board of the deck. It was completely impossible to see inside the nest unless you had a double jointed neck and a head the size of an orange. I had to raise my arms up and hold my camera steady and aimlessly to take pictures, hoping that I would be able to capture something good!

I think robin eggs are the most beautiful color! It makes me want to paint something in my home this color. I don't know what, but I will find something. I kept a piece of shell just in case I needed to do a color match at Home Depot!

Both the mommy robin and the daddy robin would sit and keep a close watch on nest while sitting on the back fence. Anytime someone, or something (i.e. dog), would go in the backyard, the parents would dive bomb and attack them! They were getting really aggressive and my mom had to start letting the dog go to the bathroom in the front yard!

they wanted to protect these little "beauties"?

Every pregnant mother wonders what her baby is going to look like and worries if they will be cute. I bet this mother is really sad.

I guess the saying "a face only a mother could love" rings true in this situation!

Every time I raised up my camera, they would open their mouths! Yes, little robins, I do have barf in my mouth, but it is unfortunately not for your dinner - it is merely from looking at your featherless bodies and holes in your head!!!

I love this picture of the tiny beak coming up out of the nest! I'm sure the mommy would have been in there feeding them if I wasn't standing there interfering and trying to amuse myself!

They kind of look like they are singing to me in this picture!

Still Devoted!

2010-06-15T22:30:00.001-06:00

That's right folks! I have not given up on my New Years resolution! Do you remember it?

"1. Enter something in the Utah State Fair in hopes of being rewarded a ribbon."

Ahhh. Now do you remember?

Today I logged onto the fair's website and checked out the entry form for being a "competitor" in the exhibition. Oooo - that word just sounds so scary and intimidating! A competitor? As some of you may know, I am not the competitive type. At all! It's a blessing and a curse, really. The only person I EVER try to compete with is myself. Anyway, as a virgin exhibitor, I think I may make some de-lish cookies. I figure I will be up against some pretty serious bakers (remember this is the STATE fair - not some rinky-dink county crap!) but looking over the rules, I think I might be able to handle it!

Pretty easy right? We'll see. I thought it was a good idea to go simple since it is my first time entering. Maybe I'll move on to butter sculptures or carving a fireplace mantle for next years project!

If anything else, it will get me a free ticket into the fair so that I can ride this with my 2 favorite boys:

This picture gets me so excited! I love everything about the fair! The food, the freaks and the fun!

-So, does anyone want to do it with me?

-Anyone brave enough to compete against the whole state of Utah?

-Why is this a goal of mine? I have no stinking idea.

Kickoff to Summer!

2010-06-07T19:35:00.009-06:00

It makes me really sad that my own neighborhood lacks adventure and community oriented activities. (No offense neighbors, but this neck of the woods is pretty slow paced and dispirited!) So it's a really good thing that my sister and her neighbors let us piggy back on all their activities and fun!

Each year at the close of the school year, my sister and her husband help ring in summer with a huge neighborhood food fight for all the kids...and whomever else decides to show up! Every year I would see her pictures and hear her stories and be envious of how much fun they were having. This year I wanted to be a part of it and a part of it we were!

Setting up! The kids gets so anxious and it was hilarious to watch them try to resist sticking their hands in everything until the countdown!

3...2...1...GO!

Lucy and Abby - my honorary nieces! Looks like they got it good! (Kim, I hope it's o.k. to post pics of your girls on my blog! In swimsuits!)

My real niece - Isabelle. She had her fair share of fun!

And this is how they wash off!

You would not believe the smell after it is all done! The worst combination of foods covering the ground! Ugh...watch you step!

After the food fight, it is tradition to set up the longest slip and slide known to man!

My nephew, Nick, hijacked Emerson and took him down much to his chagrin!

My nephew Joey sporting some good moves down the slide!

My niece Hollie and nephew Toby going down sibling style!

Don't even think for a minute that my sister and I didn't take a turn...or 5. "Hands in the air like you just don't care!"

And I may have let forced Emerson to go down a few more times. Look at that face! He was terrified but I think he secretly liked it. I think. I love to click on this picture and look at it over and over and over.....

hehehehehe

Yeah, I think a move is definitely in our near future!

(P.S. My brother and his family are in town, so if you were thinking all those nieces and nephews belonged to my sister, be rest assured they are not!)

Really?

2010-05-24T15:53:00.000-06:00

Hey, Mother Nature! Thanks a lot for being so lame today! Do we really need to remind you that June is next week?

Geez!

Each Day

2010-05-18T17:08:00.006-06:00

So, I have this philosophy. It's not one that I heard from a spiritual guru or self help book. I didn't get my palm read or climbed a mountain top to get the inspiration. It's simply a little something I do each day. My philosophy is that each day, something of significance should happen in my life. It doesn't have to be big or elaborate, it just has to set that day apart from all the rest. And, since I have become really bad at this whole blogging thing lately, I thought I would play a little catch up on the significant days of May!

May 3rd: Dinner with the family at Mimi's Cafe. My cousin Ron (on the left in stripes) was in town from Germany! So great to see and meet everyone and visit!

May 4th: My big-getting-little sister had a B-Day! She is my "bestie" and we talked on the phone for over an hour. Horray for Birthdays! This was also the night of my book club! I heart all the women I get to meet with once a month for this!

May 5th: The VIP Party and opening night of the Beehive Bazaar. Hanging with fellow crafters and DIY club members. I spent my whole paycheck that night!

May 6th: Attended the open house for the amazing and talented Katherine Wallin. She also presented me with the custom made cuff that I had requested. Isn't it beautiful?

May 7th: I was a guest blogger on U Create and it caused me to have insomnia for 3 days straight. THOUSANDS of people looking at something I made? You have got to be kidding? Talk about a nervous stomach!

May 8th: Wes and I left E. with the parentals and hit the links. It was a pre-celebration of my birthday. 9 holes of golf and a little retail therapy makes a good day! P.S. My husband is amazing!

May 9th: It is my birthday! It is also Mother's day. It is also 5 days after Colett's B Day. (now do you see why we celebrated a day early?) The family just celebrated it all together and ate a great deal of tasty food and exchanged gifts. My mom made me molten lava cakes! Yuuuummmm! It was fun to not only be with my mom and sis on my special day, but to be with my whole fam and celebrate motherhood!

May 10th: I took the very last bite of the GIANT Reese's Peanut Butter Cup my sister in law had made for me! It was delicious and sent from heaven! If you are my Facebook friend, you may just remember a status update from me saying that I wish I had one the size of my face! My wish was granted! Thanks a million Haley! It really did taste just like a Reese's!

May 11th: Our new driveway is getting underway! How nice it will be to have the extra parking space! The weather is not cooperating, however! Why is it so cold and rainy in May? Boo.

May 12th: Worked in the yard for the first time this year. I love dirt under my nails and the smell of fresh cut grass! Man, there is still so much to do!

May 13th: I may have made an appearance on the worst TV show ever. The store I work for was featured on the style segment of the show and I wore an outfit from there to help advertise. I think I was the only one with real boobies on the whole set that day!

May 14th: BBQ at our friend Merilee's house. It was suppose to be outside, but again with the rain. Ugh!

May 15th: The driveway is complete! I was lame and forgot to carve our names in it! Mr. Little Jeans now has a new place to ride his trike!

May 16th: Went to my parents house for dinner. The rhubarb is finally ready to eat! I planted it in their yard years ago hoping that one day I would be able to transplant it into a garden of my own. I think this may just be the year!

May 17th: Made some nifty biking bloomers that I have yet to take off my body. They make perfect PJ's and I can now wear shorter skirts and still be covered up!

May 18th: Just had a detective come to the door, flash me his badge and hand me his card. He is looking for the guys who did our driveway! Oh crap.

Giveaway!

2010-04-30T15:53:00.001-06:00

Do you want your comfort zone to be put to the test? Do you want to feel daring and original? Today I posted a giveaway on H is for Handmade for a "non-book" that will open the doors to your creative side and will prompt you to think (and do) outside of the box! It's full of hilarious and challenging social/moral exercises and assignments. Enter the drawing and I will put forth all my wishes and desires that you will win!

(there are rules at the bottom of the page of the giveaway. I know some of you who read this don't have an active blog so please ignore that rule and just enter anyway, because I think you're cool!)

For a peek into the mind of the author, Keri Smith, here is a post she did on her blog. I think it's refreshing! Also, I apologize for the swear word in #8!

Surprise!

2010-04-27T14:21:00.000-06:00

This morning Wes went to run a few errands to get the yard going. When he returned, he came into the house and said, "I got you a present!" I immediately thought to myself, "he must have gotten me some flowers or plants for the yard!" I was wrong. He got me the bike I have been dreaming of and asking for, for the past 4 years! Needless to say, I was quite excited!!

O-OH-H Wes!...It's a Schwinn! A Super Sport to be exact!

Bright red and looking fabulous in her 1970's glory!

She needs a little TLC. Yes, it is a she.

Schwinn approved, Amy approved!

I can't wait to get this baby fixed up and ride it around town on our dates! Attention Farmer's Market, Gallivan Center concerts, Lamb's Grill: Here I come!

Thank you Wes! This is quite possibly the best gift you have ever bought me and it was so sweet of you to get it for me! And, it's not even my birthday....yet! What a good man I have!

If you want to check out a really funny and cool site for Schwinn bikes, go here!

My Date With E.

2010-04-21T13:30:00.002-06:00

On Monday I decided to take my little guy out on a date! It's been awhile since I just put all my needs, chores and schedules aside and just took a day and dedicated it to my little guy! I don't know about the other mother's out there, but to me, parenting a 2 yr. old is A LOT of work and there have been days when I have really wondered when the "rewarding" part of parenthood was going to kick in. Tears were more frequent than smiles (for the both of us!), time out's and tantrums prevailed and I thought the sound of him saying "no" to me one more time may just be the death of me. I read on someone's blog awhile back that, "To a child, love is spelled T-I-M-E". I figured that was just the medicine he needed - a whole day of my undivided attention! Time with E was actually just what I needed, too! We had a jam packed Emerson-Day and a lot of pictures to prove it!

Our first stop: The Aqaurium

Charting our adventure!

Penguins were amazing, but not the highlight!

These were!!

And these, too! I could have stayed in that room for hours!

He found Nemo!

So many amazing things to see...and touch!

Our next stop: The public library for story time

Picking out just the right one. A book about bulldozer's, of course!

Third stop: The park

We live just a few blocks from the Jordan Valley School (school for special needs children) so we like to use their playground! It's incredibly clean, uncrowded and has amazing equipment!

Including these swings, which is basically a Lay Z Boy on chains! It is his favorite!

Fourth stop: Baskin Robbins

He gets a head freeze really easily so we have to take small bites and eat the ice cream very slowly!

And lastly: Curling up together and watching Little Einstein's before going to bed!

I love you little guy and I am so glad that we got to spend the day together. You are my little hero, my hope for tomorrow and my strength for today! Thank you for coming into my life!

Never and Always

2010-03-30T12:01:00.002-06:00

My sister did a fun blog post and of course tagged all who read it. I'm usually not a big fan of the tagging posts but I though this one was cool. You can check out my sister's answers here and read below for mine!

I will never and I will always....

1. I will never...stop complimenting strangers

2. I will never...have a desire for a big home or fancy car or covet those who do

3. I will never...be satisfied with my wardrobe

4. I will never...be able to travel back in time and correct my mistakes

5. I will never...forget the butterflies I felt when I first met Wes

1. I will always...have a great desire for learning and trying new things

2. I will always...be nostalgic

3. I will always...encourage confidence in my children so they can stand up and stand out

4. I will always...believe that mean or rude people shouldn't get away with being that way

5. I will always...love daydreaming

P.S. You are only tagged if you want to be!

Meaning Of The Name

2010-03-23T22:31:00.004-06:00

I know I have stated it before but because I still have people ask, "What does the name Poppies and Paper Cuts mean?", here is a post to describe it in more detail and help you "get the picture".

Paper Cut moment in life: Whenever I have to beg, plead and bargain with my son to sit on the toilet, this is what I have to deal with. Every time.

A Poppy moment in life: Strolling the isles at Target and not only finding the amazing Liberty of London dress I wanted, but these Oreo cookies to go with it. When I saw yellow puffy stuff all over my kitchen floor, I worried that it was play dough. When I discovered it was the icing, I ate it!

Paper Cut moment in life: A full 15 ounces of baby powder dumped on every square inch of Emerson's bedroom. Just take a minute to think about how much 15 ounces is.

A Poppy moment in life: Finally getting an area rug for the living room and LOVING it! Stripes - be still my beating heart!

A Paper Cut moment in life: That we are averaging a bitter snowfall every 4 days. Dining al fresco on the ol' deck seems to be a pipe dream at this point. I have no idea how to even dress myself this time of year.

A Poppy moment in life: March is almost out of here! Yippee! I have a really hard time with this month. I just can't wait for it to be over and for Spring to get here. Bring on the flowers, long walks in the neighborhood and sun kissed cheeks!

A Paper Cut moment in life: Wes eating ALL the Girl Scout cookies but closing the boxes back up and leaving them on the counter. I went to open them up to get a tasty snack only to discover a tray of crumbs. And I was P.M.S.ing so I may have even cried about it.

A Poppy moment in life: Finally remembering to get the yarrow I collected from my parents yard last year and left hanging in their garage to dry. The color is gorgeous and it brings so much happiness to our living room!

Last but not least, here is a Poppy and Paper Cut moment all in one: R.I.P. to the high chair. Little E loved it so much but he looked so silly in it with his legs hanging half way to the floor! I am glad that we get to sit with him at the dinner table now and I get another corner of the house to decorate, but I am sad that my little baby is growing up way too fast and is wanting to do big boy stuff now....except for using the toilet!

So there you have it. Life undoubtedly hands us fields of beautiful poppies and the pains of paper cuts. What matters most is how we deal, appreciate and learn from them in the end - thus the story of my life and purpose of this blog!

Art, Food, Fun. What more could I ask for?

2010-03-10T23:23:00.004-07:00

Art. Oh, how I love it and want my house filled with it! On Tuesday night I had the opportunity to attend an art showing and appearance by one of my very favorite artists, Brian Kershisnik with my friends Natalie, Sandi and my sister Colett. The event was held at Communal down in Provo, so along with being surrounded by amazing artwork, we were also served a 4 course meal! My taste buds were in a bit of a shock from eating delicious and fresh foods and not jarred pasta sauce and chicken strips. It was such a fun evening and I am so glad I got the chance to get a little "cultured up" and spend an evening with some amazing women while basking in the glory of some creative souls!

Communal

100 N. University Ave.

Provo, UT

Some of Brian Kershisnik's smaller pieces

Tehehe! Colett trying to portray the lady in the painting!

Hahaha! Sandi trying to do her part by portraying this painting!

(I promise we tried to keep it serious and maintain a level of decency!)

One of my faves!

Me just taking in the overall splendor of the evening!

The menu. I am so glad that nothing was too crazy. I actually loved everything I put into my mouth last night even though I had no idea what it was!

All the courses. So fancy and so pretty!

The lovely ladies who accompanied me

Natalie, Me, Colett and Sandi.

(Sandi doesn't have a blog but we're working on it!)

Thanks ladies for a great night out! I can't wait to do it again! Anyone want to come with us next time?
P.S. My sister's art also hangs on the walls of this great restaurant. Isn't she so cool?

Honored!

2010-02-13T09:36:00.001-07:00

Today I was fortunate enough to grace many, many, many computer screens across the world! Jennette from Smart and Trendy Moms contacted me and asked if H is for Handmade would like to be a guest blogger for todays main post! Absolutely! I was excited and a bit nervous at the same time! This is a really great website for women to turn to for product reviews, giveaways, craft ideas, and of course tutorials! Take a look around because I know all of you "Smart and Trendy Moms" appreciate a good read! You can view the tutorial here.

Oh, feel free to leave a comment on smartandtrendymoms.com telling them how much you heart the cake plate....please!

Also, H is for Handmade has been busy this month and will continue to be so. Check in for additional tutorials, recipes and even another giveaway!

Making Faces

2010-01-26T21:57:00.003-07:00

The other day I was sitting down with Emerson and playing with some of his toys. He has a metal book that when open, it display's some blank faces that you can decorate with magnetic facial features. As I was placing the pieces down, Emerson would yell out who he apparently thought they looked like.

Oh dear.

Uncle Matt.

O.K. I will give the kid a little credit for this one. There is SOME resemblance here with the facial hair.

Grandma Roxanne.

I am so sorry dear Mother in Law! Maybe it's the heart prison tat on the shoulder, I don't know.

Daddy.

Nailed it!

Mommy

It's like looking in a mirror - unibrow and all!

Thank you Emerson for constantly making me laugh! You are one funny little guy and I love you!

What are you?

2010-01-22T16:36:00.001-07:00

I have finally gotten around to hanging up a sign that I had made back in November. I knew that when I was making it that I really liked it, but I didn't know that after hanging it up on the wall and passing by it several times a day that I would really begin to love it. I realize that the aesthetics of it may not be for everyone. It's a bit rugged since it is made from old fence posts and stencils I bought at Home Depot. But I do think the message is one that can speak to everyone. It is a quote from Abraham Lincoln. This quote has made me stop and think more than any other. So I had to ask myself,
"What am I"?

1. a wife

2. a mother

3. a daughter

4. a sister

5. an employee

6. a Mormon

7. a neighbor

8. a crafter

9. a homemaker

10. a friend

Now, as far as being good at any of them or all of them? Well....the jury is still out on this one! There are of course things I need to work on but I hope I am on the right track!

What are you favorite quotes?

What roles in life do you think you need to work on?

If any of you want to check out the inspiration and and are maybe thinking about making your own sign, go here!

Giveaway!

2010-01-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out my craft blog lately? Well, you should because you could enter to win this fabulous desk calendar from Mufn Inc.! Everyone is invited to enter this contest - friends, family, family of friends etc... You get the picture, right? I will be doing a giveaway once a month so be sure to tune in to H is for Handmade to see if there is a little something your big heart desires!

Holding On

2010-01-16T10:42:00.004-07:00

Do you think it's time to throw out our pumpkins left over from Halloween? I just can't decide.

Resolve To Be Me!

2010-01-01T00:28:00.003-07:00

Every year when the clock strikes 12:00 a.m. to ring in the new year, I try to make a simple resolution or two. I have been extremely good in some cases (i.e. no caffeine for a whole year!) and very bad in others, (i.e. photo journal)! This year I vowed not to make resolutions that are to be kept all year long, but rather place myself in events or circumstances that will still leave me with a sense of accomplishment. Things that I have longed to do for quite sometime but have not pushed myself to do. I like a good challenge just as much as the next person, but I'm not about to torture myself. They say that if you write down your goals, you are more likely to keep them. Here they are and not only am I going to try to accomplish all of them, I will write about my adventures in doing so! Here is to a great 2010 and best wishes on your own resolutions and clearing off the slate!

Amy's 2010 Resolutions

1. Enter something into the Utah State Fair in hopes of being awarded a ribbon!

2. Build something with power tools and my own two hands

3. Acquire a taste for Indian Food

4. Take a cake decorating class

5. Send out hand written letters to friends and loved ones

6. Commit more random acts of kindness

7. Cry more freely

8. Go to the movies alone

9. Learn to cook a gourmet meal from scratch

10. Dance with Wes under the stars

Here's Your Card!

2009-12-28T12:42:00.003-07:00

Well, I was a huge slacker this month. There was so much that I wanted to accomplish this holiday season but, somehow the days just slipped by once again and I fell short on my list. I sound like a broken record - I know! We managed to fit in a few festive things - things I never bothered blogging about. Like: family/work parties, a family bake night, craft shows, visiting Santa half a dozen times, shopping, shopping and more shopping...etc. The one thing that I really wanted to do was to send out Christmas cards. I bought all the cards, had our pictures taken (thank you Colett!), but for some reason failed to get the photos printed and inserted into the cards and sent off. Below are some of my favorite shots from the photo shoot. So, here you go friends and family - here is your stinkin' lovely cyber card! Next year, I am doing my Christmas shopping in October and not stepping foot in a retail store the whole month of December!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Holmes Family!

It's That Time of Year Again!

2009-12-01T09:25:00.007-07:00

I know I say this all the time, but seriously, where does the time go!? I really want this month to just last and last and I want to savour each day of it! I am already loving December in it's beginning hours!

When Wes came to pick me up from work the other night, he brought me warm clothes to throw on over (and under) my work clothes and we headed to Temple Square to see the Christmas lights! I look forward to going to see the lights every year and we knew that if we didn't do it that night, it would be too cold the rest of the month.

It may be just my imagination, but it seems like they went above and beyond this year! There are just SO MANY LIGHTS! EVERYWHERE!

Apparently, whoever is in charge decided to go with LED lights this year. Maybe they figured since they were going to save money on the electric bill they could just go ahead and add another 5 million lights! It is so amazing to see them all!

We had Little E bundled up in his down coat,barely able to move about! I was so worried that he would get cold but he did just fine!

This is one of my favorite exhibits at Temple Square. I love that Mary, Joseph and Jesus are in the reflection pool with several dozen floating lights around them. So peaceful!

We of course had to take the token family photo to remember the evening by. Wes told me I didn't belong at Temple Square because I looked like a polygamist with my dress on over my jeans and that it was blasphemy! HA! That's what he gets for not packing me a hoodie! And why does he ALWAYS pose like this in our pictures?

Blushing!

2009-11-25T09:33:00.005-07:00

As many of you know, the whole title behind my blog is to represent the good and the bad in all of life's journeys and happenings. Today is a poppies kind of day! I am honored and feeling quite thankful for the gracious post written about H is for Handmade on the fabulously popular bargain chic blog, Bargain Bex! This was quite a surprise to wake up this morning and read her blog that was written all about me! How nice! Thank you Rebekah for the sweet write up.....you and your bombshell red lips are really too kind! I will have to return the favor someday very soon!

2009-11-18T14:30:00.002-07:00

Today I went into Little E's room and found him playing with these frogs. I bent down and asked him, "What are these guys doing?" He replied, "It's mommy frog eating baby frog!"

I guess I need to stop eating babies for dinner since it is setting such a bad example for him.

Want to get crafty?

2009-11-16T10:28:00.005-07:00

Saturday was an all day long, all-you-can-craft day at my sister's house! It was dreamy (Lyndsey, we missed you!)! She has such an amazing art room that is usually in perfect order and tidy as can be, but this is what happens after only a few hours of us getting our craft on!

My sister, Colett, was making Christmas presents for her friends, Beehive Bazaar goods and this.....

I need to give birth to a little girl just so that I can make one of these too! I love it!

She had taken an old lampshade and removed the fabric from around it. Then she wrapped all the metal with thick green yarn. She got some twigs off her trees and placed them inside, securing them with twine and then added some silk flowers, leaves she made from felt, a nest and paper mache birds she made from old book pages.

(Isn't her daughter's room adorable?!)

As for me, I made a few things.

This being one of them:

You can get the tutorial on my craft blog H if for Handmade.

Be sure to keep checking in on my craft blog for great Christmas present ideas, wrapping ideas, or maybe just a few things you would like to make and keep for yourself!

And who knows, there may even be a GIVEAWAY in the near future!

Are you feeling lucky?

Serendipity

2009-11-09T17:20:00.006-07:00

I know I should be blogging about my Halloween fun from last month. There are pictures to be posted, parties to rave about and events to be written of. I know I am behind on all of this. However, other exciting news has occurred that I feel free to discuss.

Today was an unusual day to say the least. This morning, I woke up and had to write a note to the lovely Beehive Bazaar ladies and inform them that I had to back out of the show. I was devastated. I was brought to tears. I was heartbroken. The bazaar was something I really wanted to be a part of and I was really looking forward to. Due to time restraints, some major repairs being done on our house and Wes working a lot of extra shifts while leaving me to survive as a single mom, there was just no way I could pull it all off and get everything done in time. I was so sad to miss out on such an amazing opportunity.

This afternoon, Wes and I were driving around looking at houses (that is another story for another day!) and decided to stop at Fashion Place Mall to walk around and let Emerson stretch his legs. While I window shopped, Wes took E to ride the quarter operated machines (Gross!). I noticed a fabulous little clothing boutique, door slightly propped open with a beautiful sign above it reading "Lucille Elaine". I peeked my head inside and asked if they were open. The nice girl behind the counter said they were not, but that I was welcome to come in and look around if I wanted to. I did want to! Of course I did! After drooling over all the amazing clothes and talking to the owner, I just blurted out, "Are you hiring part time work?" I don't know why those words escaped my mouth. I have not worked in 3 years and had no intention of working any time soon. After saying that, I thought to myself, "What are you doing!!?? Are you an IDIOT!" The Owner, Megan, replied that she did need to hire someone and she interviewed me right on the spot. Turns out I am a good fit for the position and am now an employed woman!

When I called Wes to see where he and Emerson were at in the mall, I had to tell him that he needed to come and check out his wife's new place of employment!

I will only work 1-2 days a week and the owner said she will let me work around Wes' shifts so that he can be home with E.

So wonderful!

Mom of the Year and Poor Hearing

2009-10-30T09:59:00.007-06:00

Yesterday while doing some last minute Halloween costume shopping, I ran to Joann's Fabrics for some embellishments and ribbon. Right before I pulled into the parking lot, Little E decided to fall fast asleep and I could NOT wake him up! I had to haul him around in my arms the entire time we were there and it was getting so difficult to hold him, dig through the discount fabric bolts and tote around 3 spools of ribbon. My arms were tired and I just couldn't balance all three so this is what it resulted to:

Not to worry, I was never more than 3-5 feet from him at all times! He got a good rest and I got the fabric I needed!

This was not the only humorous thing about this trip to the fabric store, however:

While waiting in line to get my fabric cut, there was a man and his 2 kids in front of me. The children were dressed up in costume and the woman behind the counter commented on how cute the children looked. The father was standing on his toes and looking about the store with wondering, concerned eyes and said, "I have another one running around here somewhere. He's dressed up like a Ninja!" The woman obviously misheard the man and laughed out lout and said, "A MIDGET!? That is so funny! What did you do about his arms?" (WHAAAAT!?) Then....the man who was not paying full attention to her, due to the fact that he was still searching for the child that was still roaming aimlessly around the store replied, "He just throws karate chops and punches with them!" This sent the lady into hysterics and also put wildly entertaining images in my head! Sadly the missing child made his way up to the counter in his stealth black hooded costume, naturally resolving all misunderstandings and putting an end to all my fun.

Thoughts in Fall

2009-10-24T11:28:00.003-06:00

The fall season is very nostalgic for me. As a Utah transplant, I often get homesick and there are days that I would just rather be closer to my roots. The kind of homesick where there is a real physical pain in your gut and your heart aches. While growing up, this is the time of year that we would make several trips to northern Wyoming where both sets of my grandparents lived. Their firewood needing chopping and stacked, the leaves raked and burned, and the garden harvested and canning done. I loved our visits and being surrounded by so much family and good food! The other day I took my grandmother's orange carnival glass, that I inherited, out of our cupboard and displayed them on the shelves in our dining room. I wanted to be able to look at them every day! I love that they are now adding color to our room and also allowing my thoughts to be in a distant place where my body unfortunately cannot.

A Novel Idea

2009-10-18T22:33:00.003-06:00

(you will need to turn the music off at the bottom of the page!"

Yes, that's right, you can go ahead and call me a genius! I had this thought the other day of how I could make little E eat his veggies. In previous battles with my son trying to get him to eat a balanced diet, I would have to say things like, "This peanut butter sandwich is made with Grandpa Wayne's special jam!" or "This is daddy's very favorite food that he eats when he works at the fire truck's house!" I found that if I use references to things that he adores when referring to his food, he eats it right up - because who wouldn't want yummy fire truck house food! So I thought if his food looked like it was fun and showed resemblance to things he favored, he may just devour it after all!

Lucky for the world, Wal-Mart sells individually packaged veggies in the varieties of beans, corn and carrots. They also sell stickers in the shapes of lots of exciting boy-like things!

A little sticker here, a little sticker there......

And you may ask, "yeah, but does it really work?", and I will have to say, "See for yourself, you skeptic" !

Here is a little hint: Only apply the sticker to one packaged veggie (or other food container of your choice) and show your child just that one as "bait". Then prepare one that does not have a sticker on it. That way, you are not having to place a sticker on each and every piece of food you want your child to eat and the package of stickers will last longer!

Tag! Me in the moment!

2009-10-02T12:54:00.006-06:00

making: a bubble bath to pamper myself in!

cooking: cream cheese-turkey bacon-broccoli stuffed chicken for dinner

drinking: Carnation Instant Breakfast. Always.

reading: The Help by Katheryn Stockett. I cannot put it down it is so good!

wanting: to make a T-Shirt that says "Satan is a Jackass" on it.

looking: at the stain on my shirt from last night and how it makes me want some chocolate.

playing: My Morning Jacket on iTunes

wasting: wattage. I like EVERY light on in the house so it doesn't feel so dreary!

sewing: a drawstring bag to contain all our plastic grocery sacks. So basically, a bag for bags.

wishing: I had the money and guts to get a nose job.

enjoying: wearing sweaters and boots for a change

waiting: for payment for all the work Wes did this summer so we can get things done on the house.

liking: seat heaters in my car

wondering: how I can make some extra money for the holidays without having to work!

loving: Jeffery R. Holland's talk yesterday. Amazing!

hoping: that we get our new front door in before winter hits

marveling: at how my child can play with only one thing for hours! Bulldozers!

needing: new clothes. I am having a fashion identity crises.

smelling: citrus and basil oil in my diffuser

wearing: the same clothes I have had on for 2 days straight....pajamas!

following: Oddee. I could spend hours on this site...and do. Serious entertainment!

noticing: How when I am the only one home, my house stays clean.

knowing: exactly what I am passionate about

thinking: how if it's going to be done, then it's up to me to do it.

bookmarking: Nicolette Camille's Floral Design. It makes me want to get back into the floral design business!

opening: my mind to be more accepting of the female race.

giggling: at Wes lying to me about how much he spent at Cabellas.

feeling: very grateful that I am not allergic to down bedding because I love it so much!

Good Bye August!

2009-09-11T11:17:00.000-06:00

I think I just blinked a few times and the next thing I knew, August had come and gone! How did that happen? There are a lot of things you can say about my little family, but being idol people is not one of them. We keep busy and we like it that way! Although, it does make time fly by so quickly and I am having a really hard time accepting the fact that is almost mid September and the warm temps are leaving us all too soon. I feel like we can hardly keep up most days. A few highlights of our end of summer month that I don't want to ever forget, include:

Going to see Chicago in concert with VIP backstage passes. It helps to have band members as family members!

Emerson getting a big new sandbox that his daddy built. I love to see his imagination at work while he is in there!

Picnics in the backyard. The cooler evenings give us a nice break from the heat and let us enjoy some BLT's on the blanket!

Watching the sunset at the cabin with our good friends Tosha and Eric. I love that we have a little place to runaway to and escape reality for while!

Attending the Hot Air Balloon Festival. It was really amazing to see all the balloons, but the poor weather prevented them from ever taking off.

Celebrating our 6th Anniversary! A beautiful bouquet of flowers and dinner at the Paris was exactly what I ordered!

So long August! You were fun while you lasted!

Blast Off!

2009-08-18T23:01:00.004-06:00

I have launched a new craft blog! I know there are a million out there, but it was just something that I have been wanting to do for quite some time now. I will be featuring tutorials on inexpensive and simple craft projects, showcasing local artists/vendors and I will be advertising upcoming art shows in the area. Who knows...I may even throw in a few giveaways every now and then because people seem to like that! It's all still in the beginning stages, so please - don't judge! Have fun!

hisforhandmade.blogspot.com

Bang! Bang!

2009-08-15T20:21:00.007-06:00

So Wes and I had a little bit of an "unconventional" date this week. We really believe in taking a few hours each week to spend time together with just the 2 of us, to grow closer, to bond, to reflect on our love for one another, to bask in the delight of being in each other's presence and.........

TO SHOOT GUNS!

(you really didn't think I was THAT sappy did you?)

We drove out to the middle of nowhere. It was hot and infested with flies and grasshoppers. It is no wonder no one lives out here. It's hideous!

I have never shot a gun before and never even really held one for that matter. Wes had to school me on gun safety and then proceeded to set up the target. I didn't want to walk in the fields because I was scared of ticks!

He set one target up REALLY far away! I thought there was no way I was going to be able to hit it! Can you see his tiny little dot of a body in this picture?

I first tried the handgun. Blap - Blap, poppin' a cap! It was a lot of fun and I actually got 4 shots in the black area! Not too bad for a first timer!

(yes, my eyes are closed in this picture because a fly landed on my face right as I was about to shoot! I loathe flies more than you can even imagine! What is their freakin' purpose on this earth?)

Bows and Rifles!

Don't mess! I've got game now!

Embellishing: Project #1 Complete!

2009-08-12T22:01:00.006-06:00

My first project from the "Embellishing Techniques and Projects" book is complete! I am actually happy with the outcome for once! Usually, I will make something and then toss it into the pile of clothes to be taken to the thrift store because I don't like the final result. I was surprised at how simple, inexpensive and fast it was to do. If you are looking to update an old piece of clothing this is a really easy way to do it! No sewing machine necessary!

Here is a picture from the book used as inspiration:

The idea is to use vintage/antique embroidered linens and use them as an applique to a garment. So cute!

The book shows beading around the floral and ribbon applique, but I opted not to go that route since it doesn't really fit my style. I love how the edges are frayed!

I started with this linen table runner and cut it apart.

Here is the end result!

I used iron-on fabric adhesive to attach it and then I hand stitched around the applique with embroidery thread, which is really easy to do!

A little detail on the back because a pretty goodbye is just as important as a hello!

I found the linen shirt by Converse at Target for $4.95! The linen table runner was at an antique store for $4.00. Embroidery thread is .35 cents.

Total cost of project:

$9.30

Total time to complete project:

1.5 hours

You can't beat that!

MT and Beyond - Part 4

2009-08-10T21:55:00.011-06:00

This is the last one and boy, is it a doozie! There are a lot of photos here to cover the last portion of this trip! This may just win the award for the longest blog post in all the land!

Saturday:

Since Cowley, Wyoming was settled by Mormon pioneers, the town celebrates on July 24th (same as Utah!) by commemorating it's pioneer heritage. The town rapidly grows from a mere 600 people to a few thousand! It is a day full of activities, fun and heat!

The morning always begins with a parade. More candy is handed out than on Halloween! It is a small parade but one with a lot of heart!

The nephews and nieces stand in form waiting to get pounded with sweets! Emerson caught on pretty quickly!

I wish you could enlarge this picture! It is of my brother-in-law standing next to a ladies rear end and her shorts read "Who Cut the Cheese?" Look how happy he is to be in this picture! HA!

The old fire engine comes roaring down the street blowing it's siren and spraying water. Don't you love how Wes is using our child as a shield! Let me just remind you what my husband does for a living.......

After the parade most people attend a program held in the LDS church about various pioneers and their trek out west. After the program there is a picnic in the park, games for the kids, volley ball tournaments, a rodeo and golf tournament. SO many choices!

Later in the evening, there is a talent show in the old log gym. I love going to hear the talent, but also just to be in the old log gym. It is such a cool building and I love to sit there and think of how exciting it must have been to attend a basketball game there, gym class and dances!

The sound is never very good and it is always about 100 degrees in there, but I love it!

Sunday:

We woke up and got ready for the part of the trip that I was most anxious for! The Big Horn Mountains! I love these mountains with every fiber of my being and have so many good memories of the countless days spent camping here! If there was one thing I could say about what I miss most about home, it would be this!

Off the highway, there is a hidden spring that shoots fresh ice cold water out of it! We always fill up the coolers and water jugs here. I have never tasted such good water in all my life!

It has been a very wet year on the mountain so the wildflowers were out in all their glory and it was so lush and green everywhere! It was beautiful!

This guy came into our camp. He wasn't really invited and I think he was a little embarrassed, so he decided to leave! Thank goodness!

We went fishing not too long after setting up camp. We caught some of the tiniest fish you have ever seen! It was still a lot of fun and hey, it's not how big it is that matters, just that fact that you got something! This was my nephew Nick's first successful fishing trip!

It rained on us while fishing and it sure made for pretty scenery! I'm telling you, this place is magical!

Later in the evening, right at dusk, my sister, Nick and I went for an ATV ride. It was probably the highlight of my trip! To see the mountain in this fashion is incredible! We saw a lot of wildlife and even had a moose run along side of us down the road like it was playing with us! A little scary, but more just hilarious!

Monday:

We woke up nice and early and had a big breakfast with my 2 aunts and uncle. I love a big breakfast on the mountain! We had to eat a lot to build up the energy for our big hike!

Bucking Mule Falls! The sign said 2 miles, but I am pretty sure it was more like 6! We have all done it several times but none of us remembered it taking as long as it did! I think it was 2 miles the way the crow flies, not the way Amy walks! It was worth every step! The view is breathtaking! The drop is nearly 500 feet!

Our little family! Emerson fell asleep as soon as we got there and Wes being the trooper of a dad that he is, carried him the whole way back to the car.

When we got back to camp, the clouds have moved in and it was starting to snow! WHAT??? Yep snow! We would have liked to have stayed one more night but we were not prepared for snow and had to take our journey elsewhere! We drove into Sheridan, Wyoming where more of our relatives live and we stayed there for the night. Warm and dry!

Tuesday:

My uncle lives right outside of Sheridan and works for a peculiar and extremely wealthy man who raises Falcons. Why...who knows? My uncle's job is to raise quail and pigeons that are to be used as food for the falcons. By doing this, he gets a nice paycheck and a free home. A pretty nice set up if you ask me!

My uncle lives on a beautiful piece of land! This old barn is right out his front door! It looks nice in a photo, but it smells something fierce inside!

This is my uncle's bunk house that Wes, Emerson and I stayed in. It was also where I got the best night's sleep on the whole vacation!

My uncle took us to the barns where he works. It was really neat to see all the birds, but sad just the same knowing they would just grow up to become devoured by a hungry bird of prey!

A tiny little quail in my palm! I wanted to take him home and save him!

Fattening up!

When I say "raised" I literally mean it! He is with these birds from egg to falcon belly!

We later strolled the Main Street of Sheridan. The women did a little shopping and the men toured the legendary Mint Bar and the Lariat Museum!

This was the last of our trip. We had such a good time and I really didn't want it to be over. Every day was full of some amazing experiences and everlasting memories...ones that I will take with me for the rest of my life. It was a trip full of love, beauty, reminiscing and learning. I miss it already and would go back and do it all again in a heartbeat!

MT and Beyond - Part 3

2009-08-07T20:53:00.008-06:00

There are so many parts to this trip! I keep thinking I am almost done, then I look at my pictures and see so many more fun things to cover! This blog topic will be over soon, I promise! I realize that it may be boring to most of you, but I have to get in on here for when I print my book out at the end of the year. Sorry!

Anyway....

The whole gang finally arrived at my grandparent's house and we were all reunited again! My sister and her family drove up from Utah, my brother and his family came down from MT and my dad, Wes and my nephew drove up from UT after making a few stops along the way to fly fish!

We started the day by driving into Cody, Wyoming and touring the historic town. We stopped at the Buffalo Bill Cody Dam. It is so amazing to see and it actually takes your breath away at first! This is not a good place to visit if you are afraid of heights!

I am so glad the men in my family all get along....quite well, obviously!

I am also glad to see my honey after being apart for a week!

This is a view from 400 feet above the river! On the other side of the dam, the water is only about 15 feet below my feet! So amazing! And yes, we did spit over the edge and watch it fall! Who wouldn't?

Next stop: The Old West Miniatures Museum and Store

Of course we had to try some of the "merch" on! How do we look? Don't knock it...I may have picked up a few Christmas presents while I was here!

There was over 700 sq. feet of miniature scenes depicting the history of the town and surrounding valley. It was really interesting and it made me want to climb in the glass rooms and play with them all like a little kid!

After the museum, we made a stop at the Firework Outlet! Stocked up on some pretty sweet stuff! Stuff that is probably illegal in the rest of the 49 states!

Of course we had to go into town and do a little shopping and get ice cream! I think it is a necessity to stop and buy an ice cream cone when you are on vacation! It's like checking out the bathroom at a fancy restaurant - you just have to do it!

We walked over to the historic Irma Hotel and watched the Gunfighter's skit. The performances were mediocre, but the experience was priceless! It was fun to watch and definitely different from anything we have around here!

These are the bad guys!

Nice photo op with the kids! Thank you gentlemen!

We drove back to my grandparent's house and the sun finally went down to let us know the day was coming to an end. But not without a kick a. FIREWORK SHOW! Woo-Hoo!

It was a great ending to a great day. I love it when my day is packed with fun activities, family and fun! Only 4 days left of this vacation!

MT and Beyond - Part 2

2009-08-04T08:53:00.014-06:00

I really have to get this trip posted! I have been so busy this week, but here are some photos from day 2-6 of the vacation!

Day 2: We went to church (late!) and were able to see so many friends from my home ward/stake where I grew up. How I love to catch up and see how and what people are doing after 15 years! After church, my mom and I went on a drive to see how the city has changed with all the new home and business developments. Wow - it has changed A LOT! We then went back to my brother and his family's house and had a big BBQ!

Day 3: Woke up and went to Granny's Attic, thrift shopping, Gainans and then the mall. Bought some great treasures at the antique store for projects from this and a great sweater that made me a little excited for the fall! Is that bad?

(Granny's Attic. Approximatly 30,000 sq. feet of antiques goodness! It takes quite a bit of time to go through it all! )

After shopping we said goodbye to my brother, Shon and his family for a few days and headed south. Cowley, Wyoming (Population 604) is home to my grandparents and many childhood memories. I love this home and this tiny town with all my heart!

Day 4: Woke up and took a walk with my grandparents, my mom and little E. My grandfather told me stories of the town's history and it's people. I loved every minute of it!

This is the school that my mom attended. Next to it is a log gymnasium where my mom would go to watch and cheer on her school's team! Go Jaguars!

After the walk we just relaxed on the big front porch and ate popsicles. It was the kind of day you didn't want to end. It was so peaceful!

Day 5: Pretty relaxing day! Got ready and went and hit the "Big City". Lovell, Wyoming (population 2,281) is just 5 miles away and has a few more things to entertain us. This is the town where my father grew up in and is the home to some more relatives and loved ones. We made a stop at the local fabric store. I always make an effort to go to this store when I am town because the selection of lace, trim and notions is unparalleled! They have things you just can't find anywhere else and I feel like a kid in a candy store!

The rest of the day was spent playing the in the yard, more porch sitting.....

...and picking apples from the huge tree on the side of the house! Best sour apples on this side of the Mississippi!

We ended our day with another walk around the town and enjoying the 70 degree temps! Another day completed in the sweet embrace of Cowley!

Day 6: This is the last day we have of laziness, peace and quiet until the crowds start rolling in tonight! We decided to go back to Lovell to visit some more stores since they were closed the day before.

We stopped at The Hen House - A Place for Chicks! Lovell's economy has been hurting for decades and most of the stores on Main St. have been vacant so seeing this hidden gem was so nice to see! It is a great store and I hope the people in the town support it and keep it going!

Next we went to the famous Queen Bee Gardens! They make and ship honey, candy and confections all over the world. They have quite the production here and it was fun to see them making all the candy that day. They were kind enough to give us a free sample!

We returned back to my grandparents home to enjoy some homemade carmel rolls and wait for the rest of my family to drive in to meet up with us for the next chapter of the vacation!

To Be Returned....

MT and Beyond - Part 1

2009-08-02T16:41:00.007-06:00

I am still recovering from our great vacation to Montana and Wyoming! We had so much fun and it was the kind of trip that I really did not want to be over. I even went through a little bout of sadness when we got home because I just wanted to stay longer and do and see so much more. Our days we filled with activities, catching up with friends and family, and seeing the sights and scenes I so dearly miss from growing up there.

*******

Day 1: My mom and I, with Emerson left at 7:30 a.m. Driving, driving and driving some more. One of the pros to traveling with a toddler - we made a lot of stops so that Emerson could run around, get some fresh air and stretch his legs. We used this to our advantage!

This guy has the biggest junk lot in Ashton right before you start your way to West Yellowstone. The photo only shows about an 1/8 of his property which is packed full. He was a character, to say the least! I got him to pose this way and told him to say "This is my kingdom!"

P.S. Yes, even the bus in the background was FULL of stuff!

Next stop: Bozeman, MT. We finally hit Big Sky country! We stopped at this great antique store. I loved the outside of the building and feeling like I just stepped back into time with the old patio chairs and coke machine!

Emerson got to run around and play on one of the old wagons. He surprisingly did really well on the trip up there. The trip back is an entirely different story!

We stopped in town and went to my friend Stacie's store called Sugar. She is a long time friend that I grew up with and haven't seen in a long time. Her store is amazing and so is she! If you happen to find yourself in Bozeman, please stop, shop and tell her I sent you!

Finally got into Billings at 11:00 p.m. and had to make a stop at Walmart to buy some of the ugliest pajamas I have ever seen for Emerson. I forgot to pack him some! Got to my brother's house at 11:30. How nice it was to finally lay down and get some much needed rest!