Pink Christmas here we come!

My invitation arrived today.....incredibly cute. Kristi, I just don't know how you do it, seriously. It's fun to have at little bit of information on the people we are giving to. It makes it more exciting to me. I need to get moving on my gift! Now that I know who I am giving to, I am changing some of my ideas a bit. Fun stuff.






We went to the Avenues Street Fair last weekend. There were tons of booths...everything you can imagine, but the find of the day was puddle jumper shoes for $12.99!! Although, they didn't have the polk-a-dot ones in Miriam's size which was sad. We are considering selling soap there next year.

The Maker Baker

"I want to be a Maker Baker!" that is what Miriam says when she wants to help me cook. Don't these pictures make you think I am the best mom in the world?? Making a healthy snack (fresh strawberry, soymilk, lowfat yogurt) with my daughter, teaching her about nutrition, and spending quality time together?? That's what I had in mind when we started this cooking lesson. Here is the part of the story the pictures don't share. She wouldn't eat the smoothie because of the strawberry seeds. She wouldn't eat the peach smoothie I then made because it had "red stringy things" (from the middle). I finally cut and peeled a peach and told her she couldn't have any crackers, or snacks until she ate it. I can not tell you how much time and energy I spend trying to get this girl to eat healthy foods. I took a parenting class where they said to remember that parenting is not about the outcome, because that is not up to you, it is about the attempts we make. Okay, so my attempts at getting Miriam to eat healthy should be enough, but I just needed it documented that I am trying.

The cute apron is from Mormon Handicraft, it came with all these play-dough tools in the pockets (thanks G'ma sherbear). I think they have a hair dresser one, tool one, they are very cute.

Soap Soap Soap

A few weeks ago, while selling soap, a guy walked by and yelled "It's too hot for Soup!". I did my obligatory laugh and said "sure is!" brightly, all while wracking brain trying to figure out what in the world he was talking about. The only thing I can figure is that he thought our sign read 'All Natural Homemade Soup' instead of soap, but I still can't figure out what he thought the bars all over the table were...Fudge??
Anyway, we are living in soap soup at the moment. It is everywhere! Our house really smells nice, which is surprising since we have so many different scents going on. We have had a low inventory for the last few weeks while waiting for this soap to cure. Last week a woman bought every bar of Sensitive Skin soap we had! I need to give a special thank you to my in law's for helping us with this hobby. My Father-in-Law has been so great to make extra batches when we need it, and my Mother in law has put up with us destroying her kitchen every few weeks. Thank You!!

A Tag or Meme or whatever they are called.

Here is a tag or meme (I am not sure what they are called), that I got from Stephanie 's Children's Literature Book Club. If you have adolescent children, her blog is a good resource for book information.

1. One book that changed your life.
I know this is a cop-out but every book I read about a different culture or ethnic group or time in history changes my life in little ways. I view the world differently, and think about new things.

2. One book you have read more than once.
I have read Pride and Prejudice and Little Women more than any other books. I read them first in Jr. High and just keep reading and reading and reading them. I have already dowloaded them on my ipod from a free online library called librivox.com

3. One book you would want on a desert island.
I think I should say scriptures but lets just assume you get to bring those too to make it interesting. Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchey. I adore this book. I wanted to name our next daughter Bernedette "Benny" after the heroine. Darin already nixed that idea.

4. One book that made you laugh.
Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot always makes me laugh. Okay, and I have to admit Bridget Jones Diary by Helen Fielding had me crying with laughter. Warning: Not a book of high moral fiber, frivelous I guess is a good word, with lots of British swearing, but I laughed so hard.

5. One book that made you cry.
I cry every single time I have read the Outsiders by S. E. Hinton. I read it 3 times in the 6th grade and probably every year until high school. When Ponyboy sees Darry after having run away, and then when Johnny says "Stay Gold" to Ponyboy...I am getting teary-eyed just thinking about it.

6. One book you wish had never been written.
I can't remember the name but I think it was set in Newfoundland...or Canada back in the 1900's. This guy has to marry a girl of a different religion and ethnicity who he ends up hating but falls in love with their daughter who reminds him of his mother! It gets worse from there; rape, abuse, death, suicide. It's one of those books that makes you think men are the worst things God ever created. I can't get the depressing, gross story out of my head. It was well written, and received lots of praise but I just don't need that kind of story in my mind. I feel the same way about The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.

7. One book you wish had been written.
I wish my brothers would each write a book about anything. They are really good writers.

8. One book you are currently reading.
Ugh...I wish I were reading a more interesting book! The Potentially Sane Mothers Guide to Raising Young Children by Tamera A. Fackrell. It's a good book as far as self-help books go, just not a classic or anything.

9. One book you have been meaning to read.
Mrs. Mike because TX Girl suggested it.

Labor Day

Just a weekend update. We were with my in-laws all weekend, making soap. It's always nice to spend the weekend at their home. It's very serene and peaceful, well it is until we arrive. Darin and his dad mess up the kitchen with soap, Miriam brings with her lots of running about accompanied with noise, and all our stuff seems to take over the basement. They are wonderful people, and welcome us with open arms, inconveniences and all. Miriam had some bonding moments with her Grandma this weekend, I can't believe I didn't take pictures! They colored, played ring around the rosies, and danced together. Miriam checked out this instructional ballet DVD from the library so she had us all doing "paddy shaws" and spins in the living room. If you knew Miriam you would understand how hilarious this all is. Miriam walked at a year, but it's taken 2 1/2 for her to master a two footed jump. Wait, did I say "master" thats not the right word, atempt is more like it. Her running....I just can't explain how funny it is, but think lots of arms and very little leg movement. We love her uncoordinated leaps and spins! Miriam has strict dance studio rules: 1. No talking in the studio! 2. You must bow to signify the performance is finished. 3. Everyone must clap at the end.

Darin's dances always cause fits of laughter. He hides this talent under a bushel. Until now, I have been the only person on this planet to witness Darin's moves. It's amazing what a little girl can get her daddy to do.



We went to the Wellsville Parade with Regan, Vanessa, Danielle, and Mom & Dad, to watch Cameron play his trumpet in the band. It is a cute parade, lots of beauty queens (we saw the Dairy Princesses and thought of Cristin), fire trucks...you know standard issue. Miriam made a killing in candy. After she had spent the parade running for the taffy and tootsie rolls said "That was a hard day!". There was one last entry after the police cars rolled by signifying the parade to be over. About 15 people dressed up as Native American's on horses rode by shooting real guns (not real bullets) and making a ton of noise. Darin thought maybe this was an "unofficial" entry, like it may not be PC but it is tradition, so the town allows it but doesn't want to take responsibility. We are not from Wellsville so we can only speculate. We tried to get a picture of Cameron getting mauled by 3 or 4 girls after the parade (one who couldn't take her hands off his head) but we couldn't get a good shot. Danielle is turing in an avid fisherman. Regan and Vanessa were taking her up the canyon to do some more fishing. I hope they caught something! It was a productive and fun weekend!

Happy Birthday Uncle D!

Happy Happy Birthday Damon! Damon likes to pretend to be mean but he is a big ole' softy inside. He is the first person to come help if you need him. He will probably get there surprisingly fast because he tends to speed, and has this awesome yellow corvette that looks a lot like the picture above. I will never forget the experience of driving down Huntington Canyon with him one Summer evening. Talk about trill rides. He use to fly airplanes too and he loves to shoot guns...He may be an adrenaline junkie.

Damon is a hard worker, just like my mom, and my Grandma and my Grandpa. I think it's a family trait. He gets things done, and doesn't complain about how long it takes. He has helped us all with so many projects. So I guess this is a good time to say Thank You!!!
You are probably working today, but I hope you have a great day Damon! We love you!!

Waiting....

Today is a waiting day. I am waiting for our new furniture to arrive (sometime between 11 and 1), and I am axiously waiting for Mark's weekly email from Brazil. Mark's letters are so great, full of enthusiasm, and excitement but he has managed to keep his sarcastic edge that makes me laugh. He writes letters the same way he speaks, so it's easy to hear him saying in my mind what is written. He loves Brazil, and seems to have a respect for the people and their culture after just one month. It's fun to have a missionary.


We read this for FHE last night. It is SO cute! It was a little too old for Miriam, we had to adapt it. I think it would be perfect for 4 & 5 year olds. It's about manners, but the reader gets to pick the correct response to different situations. Carolyn and Mark Buehner are geniuses. They also wrote Fanny's Dream, Snowmen at Night, and I am sure, a bunch of other cute children's books.

I made the cake Michelle posted the recipe for (July archives). You had to beat eggs for 15 min!! Mine did not look as pretty as Michelle's but it was soooo good. I used fresh whipped cream too. It should be noted that I am a chocolate lover through and through. The type of person, who after finishing off a piece of dessert, looks around to see everyone else has only taken a few bites because it "too rich". So all you vanilla lovers should probably try a different cake.

Birthday Recap

Thank you Thank you Thank You for all the cards, emails, and birthday blogs! I have never received so many birthday wishes and it's all due to the blogging world! Here is a little sampling of my birthday wishes/gifts. That's right, there is an ipod in there! Yea! I don't have to carry my "ghetto blaster" from room to room while listening to audio books anymore. Now I just need to know all the best online book places so I can go on a downloading rampage. The cute cards are from Jill, Hannah, my Mother & Father in-law, Heidi, and Taraje. The ecards and blog wishes were a happy surprise too (Kristi-thank you for the pretend E party, Cristin, Sarah, Julia & Lara thank you!). My sister-in-law Lisa (the blogging worlds newest member, how lucky are we?!) treated us to dinner in honor of my birthday. My good friend Fiona took me to breakfast at the Market Street Grill (so good) and made me a bracelet. It was a birthday celebration spread over a few days which was nice. I have to say the best gift I received was the slave labor from my father-in-law who came to help us paint, and my mom who watched Miriam all day (not to mention bought me tons of painting supplies).


This was a rather hectic, tiring birthday, but I can't complain because so much work was done. I feel such a sense of relief. We still need to do some clean-up work, paint doors, closets and the kitchen but I feel like I can handle it now.

Here is a blurry picture of the colors we choose. Georgian Blue for the living room and downstairs bathroom, Ripe Riesling for the kitchen, Sea Bean for the halls, our room, and the upstairs bathroom the whole house has white trim and white ceilings. It was difficult to decide on colors. I was leaning toward brown or tan neutral colors, but Darin wanted more color...more color without going into reds or purples. I wanted to stay away from yellows, so here we are green and blue with a grayish neutral. I think we found "us" in our color selection, the challenge will now be to decorate in our style...which is something like; contemporary, lived-in, a bit modern, not too expensive, a bit of the East Coast, some pottery barn, kind of Scandinavian, children friendly look. It will be a challenge for sure.

Miriam's room is a brighter green called Spring Green. When she saw her room, Grandpa asked how she liked it and she looked at him and said "I like pink" so, she is not too impressed. I promised her a pink bed to make up for it.



This is what our TV screen looks like these days. The TV crashed to the ground yesterday and we have been seeing rainbows ever since. The volume and channel controls are also out of whack. I have been thinking of not replacing it. We can watch movies on our computer, and all the news we could want or need is on the internet. We are going to go a few weeks without it and see how things go.

Cute Children's Clothes

My Cousin Kristi, blogged about some cute children's clothing websites that I have loved perusing. Last night at the Farmers Market a new booth showed up selling homemade children's clothes and I thought they were darling. Here is the website Robin's Nest Originals. It's a small site because Mikel, the woman who sews the clothing makes them out of her home, but she can custom make pretty much anything. I especially loved the jeans with the ruffle and matching tops. I just splurged on a dress for Miriam so I couldn't order or buy anything, but next splurge time I am defiantly going to call her.

I need to persuade my sister-in-law Cristin to give away her clothing secrets because her children are always dressed darling.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

It's my Grandpa's Birthday today! I asked him how he was going to celebrate and he said something to the affect of buying the coffee and cola's for the guys at the B & K (a local gas station). I feel so lucky to have a grandparent who still owns a farm. I never realized how novel it is to have seen goats up close...to have been pressured into trying to ride them. Wait, maybe I am not so lucky after all...haha. Grandpa is a character that is for sure. Here is one of my favorite memories of him. He took me to a local diner for breakfast one day, or maybe lunch I can't remember which. As we walked in he started singing "Good Morning to you...Good Morning to you" and shaking hands with everyone who was in the diner. I thought he had gone mad, but everyone smiled and laughed and shook both of our hands. I guess it was a common occurrence. Grandpa is very friendly, loves to joke and tell stories, dance, and music. He is a fun Grandpa to have. He won't read this because he doesn't do the internet but I will say it anyway I Love You Grandpa!

The week so far....

My mom made this Snow White costume for me when I was 4. I think it is darling. She made it without a pattern, 9 months pregnant, while living in my Grandparents basement with 3 little kids. Amazing. Of course Miriam wants to wear it all the time. Whenever she is dressed in something normal, you know there have been tears, tantrums, and compromises at our house.


Yesterday was the last day of Joy School. This was such a fun thing to do. The kids loved it. I am tinkering with the idea of doing Joy School rather than pre-school when Miriam turns 3 next year. I could then use pre-school money to put her in something fun like Kindermusik or Power tumbling. I don't know though...2 hours 2 days a week Miriam free sounds good too. I am just tinkering with the idea, any suggestions would be welcome.

We have had some fun visitors the last few weeks. Shauna and James came by during their last summer fling and then Alicia and Lisa stopped by on their trip down to SUU. Our home is not visitor friendly at the moment. We still have no living room furniture and there are no doors up...Anywhere. Our guests met at our door and were whisked away to a restaurant, which was very fun for us because we got an excuse to go out to eat! Miriam benefited greatly from the visits. Shauna and James brought her the very hip Harley Davidson levi jacket. Alicia took one more opportunity to use her employee discount at Old Navy and brought the polk-a-dot dress and cute pants. Miriam is wearing the dress right now (compromise, dress instead of Snow White because the dress has pink polk-a-dots, but she insists on wearing her "clacky" black shoes). Alicia, she looks so cute!! Thank you both for the cute clothes! I know Alicia is going to be the style maven at SUU. It's a good thing she is here to spread the message to Utah girls, that the rest of the world laughs when they see a shade under a halter, or tube top. Good Luck Alicia!!

Helper Arts Festival

This last weekend we sold soap at the Helper Art and Music Festival. If you have never been to this event and live in Utah, it's worth the 2-3 hour drive to little ole' Helper to check it out (if you like art that is). Helper is a little town outside of Price. It was settled by coal miners and railroad workers. At one time was on it's way to becoming a good size town, since a train depot is located there. With the closing of so many mines, it is practically a ghost town now, and it is surround by honest to goodness ghost towns. Helper main street consists of a few antique shops, a coal and train museum, 2 little diners, a gas station, a bank, and a state liquor store. Most of the other downtown buildings are empty, or they were until a few artists began buying them up. During the art festival, these buildings become art galleries for well known artists in Utah. You can walk in and out of them, looking at and buying art. Along the road, other artists display their art under canopies. Further down the road you come to the crafts, and then the food booths. I am sure the Park City and Salt Lake Art Festivals are larger, with more variety, but they can't compete with old Helper Main Street. It's so quaint and quirky with the huge statue of a coal miner, and the cute little Town Hall.

They have a little section reserved for kids to create artwork of their own, and of couse had a train to ride. They also had a children's gallery and gave awards. Actually, I think they gave awards for the other arts work as well. The added bonus is Spring Canyon being so close. That is where the "White Lady" haunts the ruined buildings. Rumor has it that a mine blew up and killed hundreds of men including the husband and son of the woman who is now called "White Lady". I think every teenager in Carbon County has driven up the canyon to have their socks scared off. I can't say I really ever saw the White Lady, but I have been scared enough to pee my pants up there.

My family was great to help us out this weekend. Miriam was in heaven playing with her cousins. Especially Madison who played endless hours of dress up with her, and Sarah who delt with all the kids for the majority of the time. Miriam has been very discontented now that we are home. I am simply not as much fun as "Hulkman Marcus" and "My Mudder Madison".

Ouch!

Miriam and I were in a small accident today. I was putting her in her car seat when a truck backed into our drivers side back door. The car was pushed into me, pinning my foot between the curb and the tire and knocking Miriam and I to the ground. I couldn't get my foot out, and Miriam was hysterical. The woman who hit me was hysterical as well, I felt so sorry for her. She was apologizing over and over, and crying almost as hard as Miriam. I just kept saying "it's okay, get the car off my foot...It's alright, get the car off my foot!". My key and ignition are a bit sensitive, I have it down, but the woman and her daughter could not get my car to start. They called the police and after a few minutes got the car started, rolled it back a little and I yanked my foot free. I called Darin, but because I didn't want the woman to feel bad I kept the conversation very cool and aloof "small accident....tire hit my foot...not a bit deal". He apparently, was wondering if he should even come, but he did sweet man that he is, to find me unable to walk. It is one of those annoying but not serious injuries. I need to stay off it for a few days (WHAT?? painting, selling soap a two year old, are you kidding me??), but no serious damage done. I honestly feel so bad for the woman who hit us, I am sure she is having a hard time with this. I will call her tomorrow and tell her I am fine.

Miriam has seemed a little strange since it happened, which is to be expected. When I was pinned she kept saying "GET UP MOMMY, GET UP! I will help you up!" and then (this made me laugh) "I NEED A TISSUE!". We were coming out of Joy School when it happened so Mandy, the woman who taught today took her inside for a dress up tea party during the police report stuff. How sweet is that??? At the doctors office I had hoped she would stay in the waiting room with Darin to play with the toys but she burst into tears when I suggested it. When I opened the fridge tonight she came and held the door so I wouldn't "get pinned again". Very sad. I hope she is okay. I think we need to stop talking about it because she gets clingy and whiney whenever someone calls and I tell the story.

I am so grateful we are okay. So happy that nothing happened to Miriam. So delighted that I married the man that I did.

"Your Majesty"

It's time once again for the Miriam update. I was reminded that I needed to document her quirks and funnies last night during Family Home Evening. After the lesson we were going through the Gospel Art Kit quizzing Miriam on the pictures. We are so impressed that she knew President Hinkley, Baptism, Marriage in the Temple, and then we got to a picture showing a boy passing the Sacrament. "What is that boy doing Miriam" we asked. " He is giving the samples" she replied. Too many trips to Costco I believe. I am addicted to the oh so cheap Costco hot dogs but that is another topic for another blog.

Here are some phrases Miriam has been saying lately:
"You like the color blue, doncha?"
"What you up to Dad?"
"You are a stinker Mom." this said with a coy smile.
"Actually Mom, Bananas make me sick" she said this exact phrase, but it's the "actually" word that she has been using a lot.


The Princess phase is in full swing. She insists on wearing skirts or dresses. She now switches from character to character at any given whim. At one moment she is calling me "Your Majesty" and then quickly glares at me because I am the wicked stepmother. Darin is Prince Charming at times, or a horse, or a dog. When she sees me doing the dishes then she turns into the wicked stepmother and starts ordering me around. She also loves to become the Fairy Godmother and often Bibbidy Bobbidy Bo's me. This morning when I went to get her from the crib she said "Ariel, I am Flounder!". She has been Flounder all morning. She is quite dramatic, and has a very expressive face. Darin says she is me amplified which makes me wonder what how others see me.

Miriam and her friend Emerson (boy) were playing on our playgroud last Sunday when she suddenly threw her arms around him and said "Prince Charming!". She closed her eyes and went in for the kiss. Emerson is an animal fanatic (he knows every species of monkey at the Hogle Zoo) so he started making this animal sniffing nose but eventually kissed her back. Emerson's parents were laughing but it made me cringe...I hope she doesn't start attacking little boys in nursery. I hope she isn't becoming "wicked" at playgroups and ordering others around. I hope other mothers will think "what a vivid imagination she has" and not "what is her mother teaching her?".

This is Miriam...she is all ribbons, sparkles, bows, and drama at the moment. I don't really mind, but I am still hoping she will love math and science like her Dad. Scholarships for female engineers are AMAZING. If I really were her Fairy Godmother I would bestow the gift of nerdiness upon her. I hope she will become a nerdy brave princess.

Haberdashery

hab·er·dash·er (hăb'ər-dăsh'ər)
n.

1. A dealer in men's furnishings.
2. Chiefly British. A dealer in sewing notions and small wares.

[Middle English, perhaps from Anglo-Norman hapertas, petty wares.]

We sold soap this weekend on quaint Main street. The first morning we were set up outside of the local mens haberdashery. The owner (who is only there by appointment, and even then good luck getting him to answer his phone to make one) asked Darin to help him bring out some tables of white dress shirts. After the tables were set he asked Darin's size and gave him a shirt. Darin of course tried to refuse but how can you refuse a haberdasher??? So, we made our booth fee within 15 min. of setting up the first morning. We don't feel too bad, my parents bought Mark's missionary suit and pants from him. We spent the weekend selling soap and painting.

We are currently living in chaos. All our living room furniture (excluding bookcases) are in our garage, and every other room has all the furniture pushed to the middle. Closets are stuffed with odds and ends, gallons of paint, rollers, and brushes are under the kitchen table. The next two weeks will be devoted to painting the ceilings and then the color goes on the walls.


Ella Enchanted is amazing. I loved it. It's a Cinderella type story but the main character is much more interesting than the bird singing, picked on Disney one (although I do like that movie too). This story reminded me of all the Cinderella type books and stories that I love: Cinder Edna, The Ordinary Princess, Fanny's Dream. Does anyone know any others?? We also watched the LDS version of Pride and Prejudice while cutting and labeling soap. LOVED it! I was laughing so hard, although I have said this about other movies (Happy Texas) which got some mixed reviews from my friends and family. I may have a strange sense of humor...but if I do Darin does too because he loves Happy Texas as much as I do. We are meant to be.

Bridge to Terabithia

This is one of the books I listened to while washing walls. I washed walls while crying and sniffling. It was quite a site (I saw myself in our dresser mirror) chest heaving, scrunched up red face, sweaty from working. I was exhausted afterwards because both washing walls and crying wear me out! It is such a simple story, but I was completely drawn to the lead characters. I kind of knew how the story would end instinctively, but wasn't miffed by the predictability. Again, I love stories told through the eyes of a child. I think my favorite parts are when the Jess talks to his teacher at the end, and when Leslie's dad thinks about giving PT (the dog) to Jess but can't part with it. In both of these cases, people are perceived to be a certain way, and one conversation changes everything.
It is a sad book. I think I would make sure to have a conversation with my child after it's been read. It would create a great opportunity for discussions on important issues.

I just checked out Ella Enchanted to listen to while I finish priming walls tomorrow. It's not a Newbery Medal winner, but is an Honor book. Sometimes I like the Newbery Honor books better. We'll see.

Exhausted but Happy

Whew-ee, we are so tired. I am so glad we have today (Sunday) to recoup. My parents came up this weekend to help us texturize and prime our walls. My parents are so amazing. They worked so hard for 1 & 1/2 days and quit only when Darin and I called it quits. Our walls look so great, which is miraculous considering the shape they were in before. My dad owns a paint store so they know what they are doing, and I have to add that Porter paint is awesome. I think its more expensive than a lot of brands, it's the kind that contractors use, but I love it. I have noticed my neighbor can get 3 rooms painted in a day, but I don't think she paints the way my mom paints. My mom is a perfectionist which means you completely wash walls, lightly sand, have the floors vacuumed and cleaned, tape off everything will NICE tape, clean as you go, remove tape as you paint, and clean off brushes. I guess if you are going to use nice paint you might as well do it right. Darin and I have a lot more to do. We still need to prime the upstairs and then the actual color needs to get on the walls (we are hoping Darin's dad will come down for this one, we understand he is a paint master himself). It's so nice to be getting this project done, we just need to keep the momentum up. I have to say it one more time: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to my parents. I couldn't ask for more supportive and wonderful parents.

Has anyone else been tackling home improvements this summer??