Monday, May 26, 2008

Red Rock Happiness

Every year (excepting one), we have gone to Moab.
The past few years, we've hit the Moab Arts fest with the kids, minus the hubbys. Apparently, the hubs have long since met their Arts quota. We haven't, however.

Last year, the big smash was the Giant Slingshot. Actually, I don't know what it's called. All I know is once the kids saw it, they couldn't forget it. Which means, neither could we. Now, we have to top it.

This year, the sleeper hit was the skate park. No skates involved for our crew tho. Just heelys for the Hartmans and scooters for the Stewarts. (Morgs did Hijack a scooter at one point. That poor child never saw it coming...don't worry, no permanent damage was done.) Not really. I just stated it that way for alliterative purposes.

One of the best things about the arts fest is the children's corner. They organize free activities (art, of course) and entertainment round the clock for as long as the fest is open. They always love the magician (he even made it to the big stage this year. Don't scoff. That's big time.) You can always count on an interminally long, scorching hot, sweaty wait for lightning streaks, butterflies, snakes, and flowers. There might even be a cloud or two. Very tame, rather small, generally minor stuff- hardly worth the wait in Moms eyes.

However, we pulled out all the stops. Well, technically, we had nothing whatsoever to do with it, besides the aforementioned waiting. Did I mention how hot it is in the line?? I keep looking for heat lamps incognito, but so far, nada. At any rate, somone got creative all over Bubs and Jules faces. And I mean All over their faces. If we could have seen through the thickly spackled paint, we'd have seen two beaming, I mean shade your eyes from the glare, kids under it.

Monster mash and Geisha girl

Immediately after, we retire to the The Money Pit, conveniently situated next to the chilldren's corner. Where, wonder of wonders, is The Pond (ie. blow up pool) complete with boats (of the paddling variety), sponges (of the dollar store variety), and one interfering yet well meant 'ride operator' (typical fair variety). Technically speaking, that would be Morgs and Jules, but traditionally it's the one charging and enforcing the payment of the astronomically expensive, ridiculously small pieces of cheap construction paper labelled 'TICKET', of which surrendering several at once is required. (Don't worry. I have two of them and I really won't miss the right one much; I will quickly master writing with the left. You'll see.)

Anyhoo, Morgs and Jules could not contain their excitement, since this was the very first time this 'ride' was here and there was no waiting (a big draw for all of us). Pipes and Bubs, the jaded 9 year olds, set their minds to the proven high of the Slingshot, rather than the watery thrills this one might lack.

As you can see, however, thrills is what they got. Apparently, the ticket taker, possibly to attract more than the 4 more interested would-be-boaters, decided to make it a little more interesting, becoming actively involved in the be-wetting of the riders. Utilizing running hose, now airborne sponges, and splashing hand, he did a thorough job.

Unfortunately, something wasn't waterproof.
Giesha girl meets water.

Sadly, none survived the 6 minute ride. (I know, we thought it was extraordinarily long too.) Jules was all smiles, even as Jen wiped off, mid-chuckle, all of her Geisha makeup. I think her makeup might have lasted all of 8 minutes. Maybe a touch more since none of us could stop laughing at her makeup-run face.

After all the excitement of the day, neither of us Moms were surprised when all four big kids were found sleeping on the ride home.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Bated Breath

ALthough I should be blogging about the fun girls nite w/Laura, Miss Jen, and Bon (luv to u all), I will simply direct u to Laura, the Wonder Blogger, where she has miraculously blogged about it, as usual, approximately 2.4 minutes after it happened. How'd u get home and on the computer so fast L?

No, I'm really scratching an itch via blog- I am obsessed. I never thought I was one of 'those' people, the crazies, who just can't let something go. Of course, any one of you probably noticed that long before spotting the lopsided eye (yur gonna look now, aren't ya) or the occasional but insistent peek-a-boo strap (v-back bra straps are not modesty's friend.) No, turtle Traci has just now realized (so much for that expensive education) that I am queen 'o the crazies (ya know I'm pulling a leg, right?)

OK. Fine. Impatient reader. My point: I finally found a bag I want bad enough to >dramatic pause< pay full price for it. (Me Praying: Plees let Lee not read my blog til this is longgggg gone. Amen.) But now I wait...and wait....and wait while it's being made (yippeee.) This is like waiting for an ordered meal to arrive after you've just completed a two day fast (whatever)- 'is there really a need to pluck the whole thing and bake it? Just nuke it already!'- or so it seems.


A trifle on the busy side 4 me, yet amazingly, still I luv it.

Pockets on both sides.


Close 2nd:
Sadly, pockets on one side only. A shame.



Thank you. Consider itch scratched.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Morgan's Violin Concert


Her last, if she has anything to say about it. Therefore, blog-worthy. Must document the talent while it exists. She played beautifully and was very composed (minus one runaway giggle), something she's worked on throughout her concert-playing tenure.

Love you Little Miss.

Diligence amidst distraction.

right to left: back row- Henry and Reuben. front row- ??, Madeline, Megan, and Morgan.

Luminous and poised


The unofficial chamber group.

Resting between numbers.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

No reason, just because

Sometimes I just can't help myself- they're so cute. (Note: This surge of love could be prompted by the fact that when I got home from shopping, yup another good reason in and of itself, they had cleaned the house, top to bottom, inflamed by Dad's 'insistence' no doubt. It remained clean for about a nonosecond, but at least we got degrimed first.)
Not my fav pics, but in the words of Pooh, "It'll do pig, it'll do."




Thursday, May 1, 2008

Happy Birthday Honey

One of several commemorative celebrations in honor of the Old One. (harharhar. No matter what, you're still older!)

"Hey old man, let me help you with that."

"Could someone please rev this party up? We're falling aleep over here."

The star of the party (Dad thinks its him, but we know better.)

It's a birthday sing-a-long: Happy Birthday to You

Saturday, April 26, 2008

The Graduate!

And here's proof (it's unofficial, but unless they rent the cap and gown to just any goon, here he is after ten+ prolonged, grueling, brain-busting years: The Graduate.)
Congrats little bro- u did it!


Happines and releif..with just a touch of 'can-we-go-now'.

Celebrating.
Grad & Dad.

Can we handle the excitement? Not Miles, nor his cousins- only too happy to help hold the sign.

Grad +16 Elated family members.

A proud Isaac. His Hero: Dad.


*Karen, I was sooo tempted to put the sob-a-thon image up 'cause it's so sweet. But, I reconsidered since I figured you wouldn't love it as much as I.
No thanks nec.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Best o' the Best




Not sure u've ever read the'Best of Craigslist', but u are missing out on at least a chuckle, at most some belly laughs. 'Best' Browser Beware: screening is a must for those with delicate sensibilities. Since I am made of coarser stuff apparently, let me do the preview for u. This is the best of April, thus far. Read on, and ready your laugh mode:


Date: 2008-04-06, 7:59PM EDT
FREE: Giant Lawn Ornament

FREE: BACKHOE ATTACHMENT
I have 1 free backhoe attachment. Approx wt. 1000-1500lbs. It has been sitting in my yard for the last 4 years. It came from someone else's yard for 8 years prior. Time for it to go.
Be the envy of your neighborhood with this in your yard. Put it out on the front lawn, that way everyone will see it. Your neighbors will be envious, and you will be proud.
THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF USES FOR THIS ATTACHMENT:

Have a neighbor who pisses you off?, Put it on the property boundry, that way he will have to look at this every day.
Need a place to tie the dog to for the day? He'll never move this thing.
When you have your 4th of July BBQ, This is a great conversation starter. You can brag how you will strip it, paint it, and how well this thing will work after you put all that work into it.
A lovely place to hang your tarp! Makes a unique cooler for that 4th of July party or trellis for those rambling briars. Bragging rights - yup, worth mentioning twice.
F.A.Q.

Q: Can u load this on my trailer?
A: No my wife is a wimp. It will have to be partially dismantled. I have a loader that can lift approx 500-700 lbs.
Q: Can u hold this for a couple of months till I decide I don't want it?
A: NO; 1st person to arrive gets it.
Q; Do u think my wife will be pissed if I came home with this?
A: No The only thing about this that will upset your wife, is that she did not find it first, that way she could surprise you.
Q: Would you be able to deliver this fine piece of equipment?
A: SURE; why not, if you like, I can also dismantle it, strip the paint off it, repaint it, lubricate it, deliver it, reassemble it, and make sure it is in fine working condition, all for a GEE, THANKS ALOT MAN.

In closing, this is free, you need to move it, it needs alot of work, it does have a value, but not to me. (THIS IS NOT FOR THE FEINT OF HEART, IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT THIS, NOT SURE IF YOU CAN FIX THIS, OR NOT SURE YOU HAVE THE TIME FOR THIS, DON'T BOTHER)
THIS COULD END UP BEING A GIANT LAWN ORNAMENT IN YOUR YARD. We've enjoyed it - now it's your turn.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Girl Time

Sorry ladeez- but these are the only fotos i got o' the occasion, and it must be documented for posterity, and myself when Alzheimer's/senility (whichever hits first) sets in. Sadly, we were few in number, but loud in voice, high in spirits, and to the regret of the employees, late in leaving. After all that, none of us are giving Napolitalia high marks foodwise. Seriously, that's the best pizza Utah County has to offer??

Happy Birthday Miss Jen (what? 29 again? Me too!)

I see everyone got the memo- Nice color conformity.


It only comes once a year...which seems all too often lately.
Livin it up anyway.

- luv ya!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Easter Sunday

I'd really like to say we celebrated in our Sunday best, but we degenerated into everyday wear moments after church. I didn't even get a pic o' the fam in their Annual Easter Finery (thank you Easter candy- the gift that starts immediately and just keeps on givin in spite of our best efforts otherwise. How, just how I ask you, does milk chocolate and something pink? appear on Andrew's shirt-who didn't even have any chocolate- next to the bib, on Bub's tie, and on Morgan's skirt ensemble) And we all coordinated too (waaaaahhhh.) I even slaved away and made Miss a skirt (purely out of desperation, mind you.) Me! Good thing I'm not a vain, shallow person who thinks coordinating outfits make the Holiday. Those people oughta be shot (since mine wasn't worn long enough to be appreciated by all and sundry.)
J/K, I spose. Don't worry, therapy worked, I'm over it.

*Will (possibly...not probably...never) upload a pic of the baskets- a sure case of 'my basket runneth over' since there were 200+ eggs, 6 participating kids. Those are good odds.

Here we are. Happy Easter.
Morgs and Bubs with their culinary masterpiece.

Moments before mass pandemonium.

Morgs posing; Alissa, hanging out.

Lemme at 'em.

What's candy??

This is fun and all, but what's all the excitement over plastic about?

Hope you like 'em boiled






OK. It's a little late. But I was in the mood for eggs. Too bad they've already been eaten. I suppose it's never too late to admire them however. At any rate, here's MnM, Bubs and Madison with their snazziest creations (thanks to the Beaumonts-namely Mary.) Myana and Drew kept cozy, if sopping, in the sink. She loved it. Andrew, not so much. Both were soaked. Got gills anyone?

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

A New Discovery, a Current Fav

Nothing worth trumpeting, but I am in luv with a new song/songwriter. It isn't just her simple lyrical harmonies, but her ballad-like sentiments. Check it out (second to last on my playlist.) may you fall head over heels as I have. It's good to luv. At any rate, here are the lyrics. Think about it:

Breakable

Have you ever thought about what protects our hearts?
Just a cage of rib bones and other various parts.
So it's fairly simple to cut right through the mess,
And to stop the muscle that makes us confess.

And we are so fragile,
And our cracking bones make noise,
And we are just,
Breakable, breakable, breakable girls and boys.

You fasten my seatbelt because it is the law.
In your two ton death trap I finally saw.
A piece of love in your face that bathed me in regret.
Then you drove me to places I'll never forget.

And we are so fragile,
And our cracking bones make noise,
And we are just,
Breakable, breakable, breakable girls and boys.

And we are so fragile,
And our cracking bones make noise,
And we are just,
Breakable, breakable, breakable girls-
Breakable, breakable, breakable girls-
Breakable, breakable, breakable girls and boys.

(Speaking about meaningful music, check out The Fray, How to Save a Life, also deep and therefore beautiful. The back story: Slade, the lead singer, was a mentor at a camp for troubled teens. This is his story about an unreachable boy chock full of problems and how his loved ones tried to reach him. Or, What Sarah Said, by Death Cab for Cutie, where he explores love and death. After absorbing it's significance, you almost need a moment of silence as tribute. Pure poetry- poignant and captivating.)

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

11+ Minutes you won't regret losing

Watch this lecture on attaining your Childhood dreams, and you won't regret it. This is a lecture given by a dying professor. it's his last one. And, it's worth the time.

http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=ithct48cqw

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Pre-Easter Hunting in Earnest

Have you ever noticed that anything and everything is adorable in miniature? It could be dog ugly, but if you make a mini version, suddenly it's de-liteful.

So here's my dilemma.

Easter is around the corner, and Morgan is getting ever bigger. Don't worry, she still ranks as super-cute in my book. Unfortunately, the Easter dresses in her size, don't. I have been everywhere. Unsuccessfully as you might have already guessed. (Aren't you smart.)

I'm about ready to call it quits. Except, I'm no quitter. Instead, I call on all of you: help me. Please? I need a lovely (but will settle for merely attractive at this point) pink, white, green or yellow (unless it's captivating, and available, in a different color) economical (be reasonable) Easter dress (or shirt/skirt ensemble) preferably with sleeves (unless a stunning sweater is available for a song, though dancing is better). If I ask for shoes, is that pushing it? Ok, I won't ask.

Oh, and a matching/coordinating tie for Bub's (sorry kid, it's all about the dress.) Not to mention one for Andy (not mandatory- he can't speak his displeasure, tho I'm confident if he could, it would not be about the lack of coordinating Easter ties.)

Can you stand how easy to please I am? (Yeah, neither can Leroy.)

Monday, March 10, 2008

Tagged!

Instructions:

Four people will be tagged.
You have to answer the questions, then post on the person tagged, let them know they are tagged, and then they post the answers. It is always fun to learn more about people!!!

10 Years Ago I was: A wife of 5 years and a new mother of two (Bub's was almost 5 months old, Morgan had just turned two.) We were living in Indiana, 7 doors down from Leroy's Uncle Jimmy & entourage, and 13 doors the other way from his Dad and Stepmom. I was also Young Women's pres, vteaching 6 people (they were not close either), and was on the tail end of a stake mission. Leroy was working, in school (Purdue), and coaching High School a girl's basketball team (he was non-existent. I went to games or practices to see him.) Those were the exhausted years.

5 Things on my To Do List Today:
1-Attend school
2-Pick up Andrew
3-Pick up kids
4-bake cookies with Morgs (new recipe, will report)
5-FHE

Things I would do if I became a billionaire:
1-Buy a really great cabin! (do i hear an echo??)
2-Share the wealth with: causes I feel are important, friends, and family.
3-Put money in accounts for the future education, missions, & weddings of my children!!!
4-Travel with the fam. ( I want to take the kids to a 3rd world country- we are far too entitled. Then to Hawaii? Gotta throw some fun in there.)
5-Invest (the Market, and local businesses)
6-Finish school
7-Find a plot o' land

3 of my bad habits
1-Apologizing
2-Neuroticizing
3-Not exercising

Places I Have Lived other than here:
1-Valparaiso, IN
2-Rockaway Township, NJ
3-Colonial Heights, VA
4-Charleston, SC (SC 2x)
5-Belleville, IL
6-Memphis, TN (2x)
7-Jonesboro, AK
8-Rexburg, ID
9-Richland, WA (WA 3x)
10-Oceanside, CA
11-Seoul, Korea

Jobs I Have Had (that Paid?)
1-Library
2-Grocery store checker
3-Many burger joints (I am multi-talented in this venue)
4-Receptionist
5-Framer (of art)
6-Newspaper delivery
7-Babysitter


Things Most People Don't Know About Me:
1-I have a bald spot on my head (only noticeable in high winds)
2-I have been in three brochures (have only seen two: for work, but was told of another: for Ricks).
3-I have no naturally occurring birthmarks.
4-I can wear a size 2 shoe in girls.

YOU ARE TAGGED:
Alissa
Brooke
Tammy
Crystal

Thursday, March 6, 2008

A gift from Me to You

If you have been a mother for any length of time, you (and this is virtually 100% guaranteed) have felt like a crappy mother. No one knows as well as you your failings, mistakes, and do-over moments (though the kids may think they do).

Well, ladies. This is a moment for you. Anytime you need a pick-me-up-see-I'm-not-that-bad-moment, here's one ready made and in black and white.

Read on:
"[We were ready to leave the Ikea parking lot when] this chick pulls up next to us. I was busy putting the boys in their carseats when I hear this lady talking to Greg. I could hardly believe what she was saying. She asked Greg if he was in a hurry. I am sure Greg thought what I thought..she needs help loading something in her car...which was just fine because he does have awesome muscles..(at least thats what I hear him telling himself every morning in the mirror!) Oh, no..just wait. Greg said he had about ten minutes before he needed to leave for an appointment. She proceeded to tell Greg that her CHILDREN had fallen asleep in the car and was wondering if he would watch them while she shopped. That was about when my jaw hit the freaking pavement. I should have gone over and questioned her right then and there but I was in shock.. instead I told Greg he didn't have time. But, Greg is way way WAY too nice. He said, well, I have ten minutes but that is it. She said, "oh, well, how long are the lines? I'm not sure I can be that quick." Greg told her they weren't to bad and there she went. She ran off into the store. She didn't ask us our names or anything. So here we sat in the IKEA parking lot watching some lazy unfit parent go into shop while we watched her children. No joke. Poor kids. When she ran off I seriously said some choice words and then in typical "Becky Fashion" I started looking around smiling and wondering where that camera was. Was I being punked and if I am, I just said a potty word. I couldn't help myself. What kind of mom leaves her children with complete strangers? I know we are in Utah and I know Greg and I look like "upstanding citizens"..okay maybe just Greg does because she didn't ask me...but say we decided to take the kids..or even better..ditch the kids because we waited so long. I couldn't get over it. Greg thought it would be funny if we just moved the car so when she got back she freaked out....oh funny until you get arrested Greg for kidnapping!!!!! That would be a real knee slapper. Anyways we waited and she came back about ten mintues later and just said thanks and hopped into her car."

There you have it, if you've never done that, you are ahead of at least one person in this world. If that doesn't reassure you about yourself, I don't know what it's gonna take. (Of course, there are so many other angles you could take about this story, but none of them fit my purpose, so it can wait for your comments!)

Have a Great Day, and Happy Parenting!