best SNL skit with Taylor Swift

This silly sketch had me doubled over laughing... hit a little too close to home I think.

Holiday knick knacks

I sure do love every single stinkin' Christmas knicky-knacky item from Anthropologie this year. What's not to love?

BTW... the Urban Dictionary definition of knick knack is- "a small piece of worthless crap with little or no purpose." I'm going to try and remember that next time I walk into Anthropologie.

what I am...

I'll tell you what I'm not.... a very good journal keeper. I just ran into a journal I started in 2007... and never finished. I always have the best of intentions, and I really like looking back at what was written/drawn/glued/cataloged. I suppose it just finding a bit of time here and there and not having any expectations whatsoever. As God my witness, I promise to do better.
Journaling that I admire can be found here.

project 1000

Steve O's project/costume from Call's Halloween party: take 1000 pictures. By the end of the night- 2100 photos were taken on 4 cameras, edited down to 1000. Lots of good images, costumes and fun. Check out 500 pictures here and 500 more here.

View my favorite picture of the night here- remember the SNL skit when Justin Timberlake was a backup dancer for Beyonce's All The Single Ladies?

Halloween 2009

Max the king

Costume parade today at school- I've been sewing non-stop to meet the early deadline.
We've got a smore, a Frida looking princess, and a 1958 housewife lady too.
Got to get some good pictures on Halloween day.

Can I finish a project please? Now I've got some Halloween costumes to work on first, ahead of all these stacks. We got C talked into Max from Where the Wild Things Are after he saw the movie- yea! I can't wait to make that costume.

weekend wrap-up

We spent the fall break weekend in Escalante with my family. My brother Adam's project is a wood fired pizza kitchen, soon-to-be restaurant as part of the Slot Canyons Inn. Adam was out of town at a wedding, but we gave the oven a test run- and fell in love. Steve O was in heaven and getting the hang of the peel after just a pizza or two.
Two nights in a row we fired up the oven and made pizza until our tummies ached. On night #2 we branched out and made little chocolate cakes in ramekins. The cake was best when pulled out of the oven early (about 5 minutes) left undercooked in the middle, with a scoop of ice cream on the top.
We are heading back down for Thanksgiving and doing some research on cooking a turkey (let's face it- everything for Thanksgiving dinner) in some wood fired oven bliss (and then building one in our own backyard).
This pizza was one of our favorites. The simplest dough recipe made the best crust. I ain't lying when I say pizza cooked in a wood fired oven is heavenly.
The pizza pictured here has a whole wheat crust, honey mustard sauce thinly spread on the bottom, caramelized onions, bacon, toasted pecans, parmesan reggiano cheese and apple slices on the top. Just thinking about it is making my mouth water.

We took an afternoon and went to Devil's Rock Garden- out on the Hole-in-the-Rock road. Gorgeous fall day, I took lots of lovely pictures. Kids and cousins ran amuck. The desert was perfect- about 70 degrees, not a cloud in the sky. More pictures here.

some art

I am always willing to sew up whatever the kids desire in the way of costumes for Halloween. As you can see, I have my work cut out for me this year. Except when it comes to C, who want's to be Bob from Monsters vs. Aliens. If you've seen the movie, you would know that this is pretty much a blue ghost costume- not very exciting to make or look at. I've always wanted to build a Max (from Where The Wild Things Are) costume- but C won't have it. Maybe I should make a big Max costume for Steve O (the Daddy)- he's so excited about the movie- he'd wear it. ...And then make all the kids into the monsters, now that would be funny.
They are buttons, the button that holds your pants up... yes, I was a little worried, and I had to ask. I've been trying to encourage leaving the 'pant button' out of his work, but they keep turning up in all his art. (Perhaps now is the time to do some explaining to Mrs. Tanner, his kindergarten teacher.)

18 wonderful years

It just occurred to me that today is our 18th anniversary. So, I sent my spouse a text acknowledging the date- I know, super romantic huh?
It sort of reminds me of year 5 or 6 when both of us completely forgot until about a week later. At least it was both of us that forgot that year. It may be a year without much fanfare on the actual date (Steve O is in Chicago) and that's just fine with me, because I wouldn't trade the last 13 years for anything (really, this is Steve O's joke not mine). I love you Tiger.
In the photo collage above: one of the pictures from the roll taken when we got engaged. I can't find the actual photo that made it into the wedding announcement- but you get the idea= toddlers.
And... a few of our accomplishments, or works in progress.

Halloween garland

One of the upsides of collecting fabric- you don't need to go to the fabric store when a project like this pops into your head. I could have gone on forever- adding different fabrics, and ended up with about 10 feet of garland, but I stopped... probably to take someone to gymnastics or soccer.

These triangles were cut with regular scissors (this method makes you feel like you're back in elementary school) or a roller cutter (the easier and faster way). But, I think I like the look of pinking shears better, and the triangles fray better (after washing) with pinking shear edges.

The finished project- barely fits the mantle- good thing I stopped when I did...
I'm going to turn the piles of fabric in my sweat shop into piles of garlands for the Beehive Bazaar in December. I'll get a few Halloween garlands made up- look in my etsy shop.

all pieced

As I was finishing piecing this quilt top, the silly saying that you see posted in quilters sewing rooms or quilting shops all over the place kept coming back to me. It goes something like this, "My husband asked me one day why I buy big pieces of fabric only to cut them up and sew it back together again." I think some version of this line rolls through every quilters head when piecing a quilt top. In the thick of it you can feel like you're going a little crazy. But I do love the finished product.

working on a quilt

I know it seems like all I do is ride my bike and stuff, but, I promise- I've been doing lots of sewing too. I'm making this quilt for one of the rooms at the Slot Canyons Inn, my folks Bed and Breakfast. My Mom picked out the pattern from the Kaffe Fassett book- Passionate Patchwork. The design is called shirt-stripe boxes. I must say I'm always very impressed with the design decisions she makes. No doilies and frilly knick knacks cluttering the rooms at her Inn, it's all very simple and tasteful- hats off Grandma Jo (and thanks for letting me help you).
I love the abstract quilts, I've had fun putting this one together. With any luck, I'll have this all pieced and off to be quilted tomorrow. I might need luck and magic.

fall colors

The wind blew my camera over as the timer was set to pop and accidentally snapped this- I love it.

Took advantage of the last day of good weather this week and went on a mountain bike ride in Park City. The colors were amazing. If you are in Utah and everything above 6000 ft. isn't covered with snow this weekend- you've got to get out into the hills and take a peek. The colors this year are outta sight.

yard envy

Q and I stopped by the Checkered Umbrella Boutique in Springville today. We ran into a bunch of crafty lady friends and yucked it up a bit, did some shopping, and coveted this yard.
Here is the scoop on the Boutique:
Friday, Sept. 25th 10am-8pm
Saturday, Sept. 26th 10am-5pm
411 E 400 N
Springville, UT

If you know Springville, you have driven by this house on 400 E.- we know it by the tiny house in the backyard. Today we found out the tiny house used to be a shed, but is now 3 bedrooms (no plumbing).
Someday, I will build a tiny house in my backyard, with or without plumbing- mark my words.
This is a tiny chair too, by the tiny pond. You just can't tell from the picture. Gorgeous, very creative yard. I loved the upside down umbrella's handing in the trees for the boutique. Lovely.


Hey angel baby... get back to work.

handmade runway

I love the paper flowers that make up this runway. Amazingly cool. For more inspiring images of the paper runway and 'super-fashion, mega-fashion' (as our friend from Barcelona once said as she struggled to find the proper english words to describe 'high fashion') look here.

MB ride

Should have done a lot of things today- went for a mountain bike ride instead. It was wonderful.

the state of health care

In general I don't like to rant and rave online- or read about people's gripes but, I just can't stand it anymore.
I just got off the phone with our health insurance company Humana One, in which I was transferred from department to department- then treated like crap. I do nothing but hand these people wads of cash every month and get very little in return. If this is how the healthy people who might need a trip to the doctors office for a strep test once every six months are treated, I can't imagine how you are treated when you have a serious medical condition.
Something has got to give. This country has got to change. Give Obama a chance. All I hear from friends and people around me is worry or complaint about their health coverage. So, what are we so scared of- can it really get any worse? Come on people, grow up. Black, white, Democrat, Republican- get over it- Barack Obama is trying to help you, he's trying to help all of us.

happy prankery

I want this to happen to me, maybe for my 40th birthday- with Lance at the "finish line" to give me a kiss.

3 days of peace, music (but mostly quiet) and water

The weekend was spent at Lake Powell, camping in Lake Canyon. The 77 Sea Ray worked like a charm this time- we got in lots of exploring, wakeboarding and hauling the kids around on the tube until they begged for mercy or rolled off into the waves.


We found this slot at the end of Annie's Canyon. We did a little climbing around thanks to some webbing someone left behind, but we needed more climbing gear to really get anywhere. Very beautiful- you couldn't have gotten to this spot at the beginning of the summer, the lake level has gone way up.

Long exposure super fun with a burning stick. The moon was nearly full and just behind the rocks when this was taken. Something about this picture is so beautiful to me. The water temperature is exquisite this time of year, perfect for taking a dip any time of the day or night. To see more pictures look here.

tie one on

Wrap-around skirts on etsy.

1st day of Kindergarten

I can't believe my youngest little fella went to his first day of Kindergarten today. He couldn't have been more excited, he's been waiting to join his peeps at the big school, counting down the days.
He got a ride to school by big sister M on the cargo bike, what could be cooler than that?
I tried not to cry, mostly I was just very veclempt- choking back the tears.
I know this is the most overused phrase ever but it couldn't be more true... they grow up so fast and that's NO exaggeration.
I know it doesn't seem that way when you change your 1000th poopy diaper, smell like spit up or are loopy tired as you rock that sick baby back to sleep at 3 am- but believe me before you know it they will be as tall as you are, acting teenagerish and begging for an itouch.

it's all about...

maybe it's time to upgrade my steel frame Bridgestone RB-1 from the early 90's...

science fiction and fantasy

Been waiting for this movie- it comes out October 30th. Until then, enjoy Ronald Chevalier in this super funny trailer.

beach time

We've been spending a few weeks at the beach- good times for all. We are heading home tomorrow (sniffle, sniffle) back to real life and school starting in about a week- yikes!
The kids are learning how to surf. With the invention of the soft board (made like it's a boogie board but shaped like a surfboard) we finally decided to purchase a surfboard of our own (the soft surfboards are much cheaper than a traditional fiberglass board). We've been surfing at Doheny- the waves are perfect for kids and longboarding and you can surf all day. Here are Q and cousin Meg on the same wave- collision course perhaps...

don't miss it-

Craft Lake City Alternative Arts and Crafts Festival to Take Place August 8 at the Gallivan Center

Who/What: Craft Lake City, an outdoor alternative arts festival, will be held for the first time on Saturday, August 8. The event will showcase over 80 vendors specializing in handmade goods such as: silk screened posters, progressive crafts, do-it-yourself designs, reconstructed clothing, knitted items, jewelry, letter-pressed books and more. The event is free and open to the public. A different local band will perform each hour. Craft Lake City is modeled after national alternative craft festivals like the Renegade Craft Fair and the Bazaar Bizarre. The festival is presented by Yudu™ by Provo Craft, and sponsored by The Beehive Bazaar, The Catalyst Magazine, City Weekly, The Downtown Alliance, Drench, Este Pizza, Etsy, The Gallivan Center, Illusial Studios, Iris Piercing, KRCL 90.9 FM, KUER 90.1 FM, Planned Parenthood, Q Salt Lake, Sage’s Café, Salt Lake Film Society, Sublime Stitching, UtahFM.org, VIVACE and XMission. More information is available at www.craftlakecity.com.

When: Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Band line-up:
2-3pm: Coyote Hoods
3-4pm: Mad Max and the Wild Ones
4-5pm: Aye Aye
5-6pm: Casey Prestwood & The Burning Angels
6-7pm: Cub Country
7-8pm: Subrosa
8-9pm: Tiny Lights
9-10pm: Mammoth

Where: The Gallivan Center
239 S Main Street
Salt Lake City, Utah

Why: Whether you are head of your homemaking night or an emerging artist, Craft Lake City is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the local handmade community.

a twist on chicken pesto pizza

It's the best time of year for food snobs like myself- garden eating time. Everything in the garden is nearly ready to eat- a great meal is just a few steps away. We made this pizza a few days ago with fresh pesto (we make a batch just about every day and put it on everything) chicken, olives, regular parmesan, parmesan reggiano cheese, (we were all out of mozzerella to perhaps mix in, so we just went light on the cheese in general) pine nuts, tomatoes, and some yellow and green beans thrown on top- just for fun.

Yesterday we ate lunch and dinner entirely out of the garden: spaghetti squash, yellow pear, grape and yellow cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, a bell pepper and pesto sauce- all chopped up and mixed together. (I forgot to pause for a photo). Yum- delicious.

Here is a re-publication of my pesto recipe and the fastest, easiest pizza dough ever too. Bon Apetite

pizza dough:
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1 c. warm water
2 1/2 c. flour, white or wheat
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt

dissolve yeast in warm water and stir in remaining ingredients. beat vigorously 20 strokes, or use a mixer. let rest only 5 minutes.

pesto sauce:
1 c. fresh basil leaves ( I would recommend planting basil in your garden, or keeping a plant in your kitchen. it is such a wonderful addition to so many foods)
2 garlic cloves
coarse or rock salt, just a sprinkle
2 tbsp pine nuts (giant bags available at costo)
1/2 c. olive oil
4 tbsp fresh grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp pecorino cheese or more parmesan
place basil, garlic, salt, and pine nuts in a blender or food processor until finely chopped. add olive oil with motor running, the add cheese. blend one more time until ingredients are mixed well.

pizza:
shredded chicken
sliced mushrooms
olives
mozzerella cheese
parmesan and romano cheese
pine nuts
or whatever else sounds good on a a pizza!

roll out dough on parchment paper or pizza pan. spoon on pesto sauce, generously.
cover up the pesto with chicken, mushrooms, and olives, come on now, don't be shy or skimp now...
add shredded mozzerella, then about 1/3 as much parmesan and romano, once again don't skimp.
sprinkle with a handful of pine nuts.
bake on a pizza stone with parchment paper at 425 for 15-20 minutes.
-if you don't have a pizza stone just use a pizza pan or cookie sheet, but a pizza stone really makes the crust turn out yummy. i would recommend having a pizza stone in any kitchen. i cook frozen pizza on it as well, on those super busy or babysitter nights.
i transfer pizza & parchment to the hot stone in the oven by cookie sheet, and back out of the oven the same way.
enjoy!

yes, I did

I just listed some Dollhouse Kits on Esty after what feels like months of painting and gathering up all the goods. Around the 4th of July I got to feeling all patriotic and such- I got the silly notion to make up a few Obama family dollhouse. I think they turned out pretty funny.

important moments in a child's education

Laser sailing

We took the kids up to Jordanelle on Sunday afternoon for a sail. There wasn't much wind, perfect for the young sailor to get comfortable on the boat.
Steve O picked up this Laser last winter, bringing the grand total of boats in the family to 5. That's 1 Hobie Cat, 1 Laser, 2 sea kayaks, and 1 1977 Sea Ray that we love but isn't lovin' us. Unfortunately we know nothing about fixing motor boats. (So, anyone know of a mechanically minded soul who wants a great boat?)
I've been told Laser sailing is the new 'book group'. Steve O races every Tuesday night (wait book group is only once a month...) with his new sailing posse. I'm glad he love it so much- I love the wind powered adventure too.

from the top of the Alpine Loop...

We rode the Ridge Trail this morning and the wildflowers were out in abundance due to a super wet June. We couldn't help but work in a little photoshoot with the red, white and blue flowers.
The trail was quite muddy and slick. We did quite a bit of on/off, on/off the bike trying to get through the muck. Very tiring, but way fun.
Have a fabulous 4th of July weekend!

in honor of the King

Fourth of July 2008.
I'm looking forward to the upcoming holiday fun. As a tradition we always ride bikes to watch the evening fireworks outside the Stadium on Fire in Provo. We cruise along weaving our gang of cyclists through grid locked holiday traffic on a hot summer night, what could be better?
We came across this guy last year- a beautiful moment to be sure (I only wish this clip was longer). I think we need to incorporate a boom box this year and enjoy some more MJ hits. Long live the King of Pop.

Torrey and Upper Calf Creek Falls

The rain kept coming all week (two weeks ago- I'm a little behind) but we were lucky enough to spot this double rainbow at Grandma and Grandpa's house in Torrey.

We hiked upper Calf Creek Falls on a cloudy-kinda cold day. The chilly air/water temperature didn't keep the kids out of the water. Doesn't he look like he's having so much fun?

The kids with Grandma Jan and Grandpa Owen hiking to Upper Calf Creek.

Jazzing up the hike a little.

The Upper Falls- so beautiful and such a great hike.

city slickers

We have been spending the week in Escalante, with my family. It's been a very wet and cool spring and summer- all the desert is in bloom. Everywhere you look there is something beautiful flowering or patches of green spread out across the desert.
Here are the cowboys who came to 'fix' (castrate) my brother's three Longhorn bull (boy) calves- telling my brother Adam that two of the calves were in fact heifers- that's means 'girl' in layman terms. Awkward.

The kids learned how to drive the tractor by themselves and even made a trip across the river without Uncle Adam, to find and load some landscape rocks by themselves. They think they've die and gone to heaven.

Here is Uncle Adam, (greatest hero- my kids will follow him anywhere and happily undertake any job/task with him, I wish they would do that for me) and his new baby 'Roscoe' his catahula puppy, about 2 months old being held by Q, M is looking on. In the background is the Slot Canyons Inn, my folks bed and breakfast.

word up to all the crafty people

Our lady friends at Slug magazine are putting on the 1st annual Craft Lake City crafty festival in Salt Lake City this August. For all of you interested in becoming a vendor you have a few more days to get something put together and apply. Applications are due at the end of the business day on Friday June 12th- yeah that's this Friday.
Otherwise- put it on your calendar. I have a feeling it's going to trump the Utah Arts Festival and all of their cowboy art and blown glass- oh wait that's the Park City Arts Festival.

century

We rode the Little Red Riding Hood Bicycle Ride on Saturday. I was a little nervous since this is the first century I've ridden in 12 years, the week before the ride I spent sitting on my butt at Lake Powell- not riding and eating too much and I admit to a less than serious training schedule for the last few months. But, I can honestly say- the ride was fabulous. We had a jolly good time riding and snacking all day.
There were about 20 soggy miles as we pulled through Preston Idaho, a seemingly endless headwind no matter which direction we headed, a nail in my tire at about 85 miles- other than that- no troubles.
I swear by the 'magic juice' on long rides like this (or triathalons). The pink 'magic juice' in my bottles (next picture) is some PowerBar endurance drink I found at Sports Authority, when that ran out I drank Gatorade all day and (at least my legs) felt like I could have kept going another 50 miles. My shoulders, neck and butt were done when I finished at 103 miles.
The day was another renewal for my love of cycling. It's such a good, clean, efficient way of getting around and bringing folks together.

Here is my trusty Bridgestone RB-1 I've had for 15 years or so. It just keeps treating me exquisitely year after year.

I donned the fish taco costume for the costume contest before the ride. There weren't many participants at 7:30 am- I think the staggered start times for the different distances all the 2600 lady participants rode may of had something to do with the lack of enthusiasm in the early hours. I think I missed most of the costuming later on in the morning.
I will freely admit I didn't ride 103 miles as a fish taco (that would've really been somethin'). For one thing I couldn't get my helmet under the fish head and another thing- who likes a soggy fish taco??

moon shadow

We just got back from a wonderful week at Lake Powell- what a way to jump start summer. I stumbled across this tiny arch (in Hansen Creek Canyon) when I was hiking around one morning. Later that day, when it had cooled off- we took the kids and hiked them back up to find it. The sun had set as we walked and by the time we got up to the arch it was dark. The moon was nearly full that night and just perfect for night hiking, casting a distinct moon shadow as you walked. Steve O took this picture with just moonlight and a super long exposure, the arch is actually big enough to crawl through, but you can't really tell from this angle.
Good times, there is truly nothing like being in the middle of the desert, camping under the stars, miles from civilization- no electricity, email, phone or any of the other gadgets that clutter up our lives- just the bare necessities and good, simple, big water fun.

last day of school

Today was crazy hair day at our house. Last day of 7th grade for this gal, we put super tiny curlers in her wet hair overnight, there were a few looser curls here and there so we swept it up into this fancy up-do. Darling, we need to curl it more often.

We had some good times working on this hair-do. Last year we tried the 'faux hawk' and didn't shave the sides but spiked the middle- this year we went all the way. I wasn't prepared enough to have some great funky bottle of pink hair color (the color he wanted to make it) handy, so we had to settle with what we could find at the local grocery store- blue/black..
I say- a mohawk on the last day of 5th grade?- why wouldn't ya?

This 3rd grade graduate really wanted blue/black hair as well, but I tried to explained the maintainance issue one would face in a few weeks, and subsequent months (a gal her age in our neighborhood has been suffering through these issues for about a year now), and with that visual I think she got the picture. She settled for some curls. Really- and how could a mother cover up that coveted hair color?

This little man got a buzz cut too, a little after this picture was taken. Here he is enjoying some Hawaiian Punch with his goo goo goggles straw I got him in Portland. He keeps reminding me he wanted a toy, and these glasses are not a toy. Oh well, whata ya do?

photo journal

Went to Portland/Seattle and in between with some lady friends this last weekend and had some darn good times.

I want an Oompa Loompa now Daddy!

I ran across a Posh Tots catalog from a year or so back right about the time I read the article below. Go ahead and read for yourself- but I'm seeing some correlation. I'm pretty sure the guy pictured below, and people described in the article had this playhouse (only $52,000).

This bed is also from Posh Tots, which I thought might be out of business due to the recession troubles we've dragged the entire planet into- but the website up and running and full of treasures like the bed pictured above (only $4,200). Gather the kids around the computer, take a peek and prepare to be amazed. The Sears catalogue of the Narcissistic generation?


If you haven't read this article yet (and eventually the book)- it is a must.
By Raina Kelley | NEWSWEEK
Published Apr 18, 2009
From the magazine issue dated Apr 27, 2009

Growing up, my literary heroines were those who, like me, struggled to be good: Jo from "Little Women," Harriet the spy, Laura Ingalls and Pippi Longstocking. A strong-willed (and loud) child, I craved examples of unruly knuckleheads tethered to a loving family that encouraged us to be our best selves despite our natural inclinations. Precocious but naive, I thought of myself as an ugly duckling—misunderstood in my youth but destined for a beauty and stature completely impossible for my loved ones to comprehend. I shudder to think what a monster I would have become in the modern child-rearing era. Gorged on a diet of grade inflation, constant praise and materialistic entitlement, I probably would have succumbed to a life of heedless self- indulgence.

Perhaps, one day, we will say that the recession saved us from a parenting ethos that churns out ego-addled spoiled brats. And though it is too soon to tell if our economic free fall will cure America of its sense of economic privilege, it has made it much harder to get the money together to give our kids six-figure sweet-16 parties and plastic surgery for graduation presents, all in the name of "self esteem." And that's a good thing, because as Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbell point out in their excellent book "The Narcissism Epidemic," released last week, we've built up the confidence of our kids, but in that process, we've created a generation of hot-house flowers puffed with a disproportionate sense of self-worth (the definition of narcissism) and without the resiliency skills they need when Mommy and Daddy can't fix something.

Indeed, when Twenge addressed students at Southern Connecticut State University a couple weeks back, their generation's narcissism was taken as a given by her audience. The fact that nearly 10 percent of 20-somethings have already experienced symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder, compared with just over 3 percent of the 65-and-over set? Not surprising. That 30 percent of college students agree with the statement: "If I show up to every class, I deserve at least a B"? Didn't get much of a rise either. When they're faced with the straight-out question—do you agree with this research, that you guys are the most narcissistic generation ever—there are uniform head nods and knowing grins to each other. "At the end of the day I love me and I don't think that's wrong," says Sharise Tucker, a 21-year-old senior at Southern Connecticut State, a self-professed narcissist. "I don't think it's a problem, having most people love themselves. I love me."


But as Twenge goes on to illustrate, all that narcissism is a problem that can range from the discourteous—residential advisers at Southern lament students disregarding curfews, playing dance music until 3 a.m., demanding new room assignments at a moment's notice and failing to understand why professors won't let them make up an exam they were too hung over to take—to the disastrous—failed marriages, abusive working environments and billion-dollar Ponzi schemes. Seems that the flip side of all that confidence isn't prodigious success but antisocial behavior.

Armed with a steady influx of trophies just for showing up, "I Am Special" coloring books and princess parties, it is hard for kids to understand why an abundance of ego might be bad for them. Hot off their own rebellions in the late '60s, my parents struggled to give me the freedom to be me while also teaching me generosity, compassion and humility. I didn't make it easy on them. I was the kind of kid who threatened to drink Drano if asked to load the dishwasher. "Don't get cocky, kid," was the response from my dad when I declared my grades too good for my behavior to be monitored. "Pretty girls are a dime a dozen," my mother would remind me when I came up with the brilliant idea that school was getting in the way of my social life. My mom would also trot out fables to keep me in check. Ever read the original ending to Cinderella? The evil stepsisters get their eyes plucked out by pigeons and end up beggars. But it worked, mostly, and "Don't believe your own bulls––t" became my mantra. Of course, I still hate to be told what to do, dislike following rules and will waste hours trying to get out of the simplest household task; but hey, I'm a work in progress.

But no matter how you were raised, the handiest cure for narcissism used to be life. Whether through fate, circumstances or moral imperative, our culture kept hubris in check. Now, we encourage it. Pastors preach of a Jesus that wants us to be rich. The famously egocentric wide receiver Terrell Owens declares at a press conference that being labeled selfish is fine with him. Donald Trump names everything he owns after himself and calls his detractors "losers." We live in a world where everyone can be a star—if only on YouTube. The general sense among students on that New Haven campus is that with the world being such a competitive, cutthroat place, they have to be narcissists. Well, you may need a supersize ego to win "America's Next Top Model" or to justify your multimillion dollar bonus. But last I checked, most of our lives don't require all that attitude. Treating the whole world as if it works for you doesn't suggest you're special, it means you're an ass. As an antidote to a skyrocketing self-worth, Twenge recommends humility, evaluating yourself more accurately, mindfulness and putting others first. Such values may seem quaint, maybe even self-defeating, to those of us who think we're special, but trust me: it gets easier with practice.

awkward family photo

Steve O tipped me off to the website Awkward Family Photos a few days ago, ....and I'm still laughing. If you check it out, don't miss the latest Mother's Day post- about as awkward as they get.

birthday time

The little man turned 5 today. He requested a bike cake and this is how it turned out. Quite simple, but it didn't stress me out or take forever. Thank goodness for Airheads and Twizzlers.
Wow- time flies, I can't believe my youngest child is F-I-V-E years old.

my baby brother... and his new lady

Nieces and nephews waiting, anticipating the appearance of the bride and groom...

My little brother Spencer got married on Saturday, his lady and my new sister-in-law Ashley are so stinkin' cute together.
I remember those first married moments... I look back on Steve O and my wedding pictures (almost 18 years ago) and wonder why they let babies get married?

Could they be any more darling? Spencer and Ashley are perfect for each other. There has never been a more laid back, mellow, peaceful couple. Oh how I love the wedding day- the wedding dress, beautiful bride, hairdo, flowers, colors, handsome fellas- all visually stunning, sparkly and fantastic.
Unfortunately, my pictures are less than fabulous, and shortly after these pictures were taken my camera battery died and I had to use the camera on my phone. Oh well, the wedding photographer was giving me crusty looks anyway.
Where are they now? South Carolina on their honeymoon, then off to Texas. Spencer and Ashley are both graduates from the University of Utah (Spencer graduated on Friday in Metalurgical Engineering- sp?) and moving to Texas (where Ashley is from) for a job. Congratulations dudes!

makin' good on a promise

I made chocolate peanut butter balls for the Beehive Bazaar this past weekend- (which was a huge success- thank you everyone who came and supported local handmade arts and crafts!). The kids were so mad when I packaged them all up and shuttled each and every delectable nugget out the door. I promised to make another batch on Sunday- and after my 4 hour nap (trying to catch up on months of too little sleep)- I followed through. Oh, the Peanut Butter Ball- basically a homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Cup (our family's favorite candy). These morsels would probably rank in my top 3 favorite treats of all time- #1 would have to be a cake or cupcake made by Stephanie (which can be purchase at Dear Lizzie in Alpine), #2 of course, homemade chocolate chip cookies and #3 these babies right here. Here is the recipe if you'd like to try them for yourself.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

1 cup crunchy Peanut Butter
1/4 cup butter softened
2 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 pkg. (14oz.) chocolate candy coating or 1 pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a large bowl, combine peanut butter and butter. Add Rice Krispies and sugar, mix until evenly combined. Portion cereal mixture, using a rounded measuring teaspoon. Roll into balls and set aside (hint- if you wet your hands slightly when rolling the balls, your hands won't get coated with the mixture, also the balls will hold a nice round shape). On top of a double boiler, melt the chocolate. Dip each peanut butter ball in coating, roll around and set to dry on waxed paper. Refrigerate until firm. About 90 calories per ball... so don't eat just one!

I went for a walk last night (in the rain with my dog and the podcast of This American Life) after I put the kids into bed. When I got home, this note was waiting for me.

the Spring 2009 Beehive Bazaar is this weekend!

Ooh- I can't wait for this weekend. For some up to the minute sneak peek photos check out the Beehive Bazaar's Facebook page.

home school and other stuff

This is the scene I came across as I walked past M's room. C and all of his friends had been somehow lured into "school" by the big sister. Each student had his own white board and marker- they stayed attentive for quite awhile, carefully practicing their letters. Just about the cutest, most hilarious thing I've seen all week.
I've been making hair clips for the Beehive Bazaar and listening to NPR all day. (is this twitter or a blog entry?) Anyway, back to work craftin' it up for the upcoming event.
I think these hair clipys turned out very cute, I want to wear them all.

let's get together yeah, yeah, yeah

Here is my favorite quote:
Live simply, so others can simply live.

This picture is just a little example of how much fun you can have wandering around an antique store with your camera phone.

spring break

What we have here is not a springtime miracle (wow for 7000 ft, Torrey sure has a lot of flowers blooming this time of year- hey little dude- great tan!), but alas- it's a stock photo from last summer.
This is how life has been rolling along lately. Hectic. We are in the middle of a fabulous spring break at the G & G's house in Torrey Utah, but I am back home today (3 hr. drive) with Q for a 10 minute orthodontic appointment. Her retainer (she just got the braces off last week) fitting, she says it hurts bad- after only a week without any guidance those darn teeth have already shifted. Good thing we didn't wait any longer to pick up those pesky retainers...
I planned to share some great photos of the good times so far but, my camera, battery charger, USB cable are scattered all over this great state. So, I skip the download, and share a cute picture of last summer (can't wait for this summer...)- and back into the car we go for 3 more hours, to return to vacation mode. Let's hope the children snarf down all their Easter candy quickly so I don't have to resist the temptation any longer than I can handle.
See you next week- have a wonderful week.

crafty goodies

I sure am loving all of the handmade items I found at Craft Sabbath. It was good to get out with my ladies for a few hours on Sunday- escape the madness. Not that I don't love my people- I suppose it was mostly the workload I needed to escape from- when I'm home I feel like I need to be sewing all the time. It was fun to see what the other crafters are up to- and get some inspiration.
Here are a few faves- the purple cuffs were calling my name- what is it with me and purple? I can't stop sneaking back to that color. It was my "favorite" for many formative college years- my sleeping bag is purple, a cherished ski jacket I've been wearing for 20 years, there were also the infamous purple Patagonia tights I used to wear climbing- long since retired thank goodness... let's just say- I'm luck Steve O gave me a second glance after seeing me in those crazy tights.
Put the fanny pack back in the closet- there are so many applications for my new holster, I don't even know where to start. (I guess I need to start with wearing a belt)
Just a little something silly to toss in with any outfit. "Um, excuse me lady... but I think there is a bee in your hair." (Yeah that's right I'm a lady or a ma'am now)

some purses

-been making purses all week, wearing my puffy nonstop because this week's theme was back to winter. I guess I wasn't missing much holed up in the studio or sweat shop as I lovingly refer to it one month before the Beehive Bazaar. As you can see I've been loving making the cut up fabric collage purse in bright colors. My favorite is the tiny purple owl amidst all the fabric in the first picture. Why it 'tiny' so funny to me?