Life is Sweet: March 2011

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Mii, Mauri, and an American Dream

Yesterday was a "Mom and Me" day. Mauri had it all planned out. What we would do. Where we would go. Together. She had been talking about it for weeks.

I was all for it. I could totally use a day to justify shopping, eating, and lounging around, all for the sake of close family bonds and quality relationship development time. Not to mention, I could use a break from my daily mom busy-ness.

We started the day with a hour or two of Wii Play. I rather enjoyed myself.

Then we headed out to shop: for a purse (Mar needed a bigger one for all her stuff) and an Easter dress.

We perused PetsMart, checking out critters of all sorts before making a treat purchase for Buddy and Tweety.

We ate at Mt. Fuji. Japanese soda. California maki. Cream cheese wontons. Teriyaki and tempura. (We had enough leftovers for an after-school snack for Shi, late-afternoon snack for mii, and dinner for Bill. Nice.)

After a satisfying lunch, we moseyed over to Target to leisurely browse, leaving with a new pony for Mar's AmGirl doll, and Tangled.

We nabbed Shi after school, watched our new show, then I accompanied Mar to her piano lesson.

To top the day off, after sending the older girls on their way to various activities, Mar and I watched Hairspray, cuddled up together on the sofa in the dark. Just like the old days. The pre-school days that Mar longs to get back, if only for a moment.

The day was a dream. (If you minus the rigamarole that went on in the minutia in between.) I could use more of those.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Progress Report

A quick update.

Remember the coloring contest?
Success. Mar won 3rd place in her age category, and $50.

My shelves? I'm still thinking:

Since I received ZERO suggestions, I suppose I am on my own, which means it may be a long, drawn-out process of trying something, living with it for a while, then tweaking. Endless tweaking. Until I'm just plain tired of thinking about it anymore, after which I will succumb to the realization that what is, is, and it is fine. Then I will cling to any suggestion that my home should be what I like, and not what HGTV, design bloggers, and model-home enthusiasts determine is beautiful and esthetically pleasing. If you ARE said person(s), I would assume that all judgement would be withheld, since you declined the initial invitation to offer input. (Now's your last chance.)

Bill says he doesn't care for the pictures of strange people. He's such a card.

(Not to be confused with a cad. Which he isn't. In fact, Bill has been most helpful at assisting with my Spring Break wish list, which, we have determined, can be deemed somewhat "romantic" on his part. He has requested that my statement concerning his level of romanticism in the ABOUT ME sidebar of my blog be changed.)

And after a week of lovely Spring weather, I woke up today to this:

which I usually wouldn't mind, since I like a good mix.

But since my house is scheduled to be painted this week, and since I have spent a lot of time and energy getting the whole thing expedited through a lengthy HOA approval process, I can only hope that the snow will dissipate and
the sun will come out tomorrow.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Lacking Focus and Inspiration

The past few days I have tirelessly worked on my Spring Break wish list. But I've run across a few problems.

I've had a hard time staying focused. I have flitted from one thing to another -- here, there and everywhere. I have obsessively and tediously scanned pictures in an effort to digitize them, while ironing in between each slow, lengthy scan. I have put away the dishes in the middle of dusting the family room, pausing briefly to catch a glimpse of DVR-delayed episodes of Chopped and The Amazing Race (my weakness -- that darn TV). I have organized the DVDs while clipping coupons and making calls to expedite the home-painting process.

(I've come the conclusion that we do NOT need any more Barbie DVDs. We have plenty.)

I have gone to bed late each evening, feeling frustrated that I did not get more done. And last night I went to bed with a purple toe, thanks to a frozen beef roast slipping from the second-to-top shelf of the freezer onto my bare foot as I was trying to retrieve something (anything) for dinner. I was going to take a picture in a quest for sympathy, but my feet are TUTP. Too Ugly To Post. Any thought of a pedicure is now on hold, until the purple toe can handle movement and massage.

Yesterday I started in on this little project:

I love this wall in my family room. My father-in-law made the shelves for us years ago, and it has been admired by friends, family, and neighbors for a long, long time. But it was in some serious need of dusting -- a fairly tedious process which requires furniture moving and a ladder. I was up for the challenge (and an episode of Chopped). As I took everything down, I started feeling like a change would be nice. It's pretty much been the same for 8 years or so, give or take a picture add/change.

But thus far I have been uninspired.

So this is what it looks like right now. I know, pathetic. At the very least, I will change out the family pictures, but I would really like an updated, new look. With minimal expense, of course. I'm thinking maybe all black frames... or something symmetrical (that would make Bill happy)... possibly losing the Willow Tree figurines (which I plan to keep, just not in the family room)...

ANY IDEAS?

Today I hope to be focused. Complete one task before moving on.
Someone shared this with me years ago...

Work while you work.
Play while you play.
One thing at a time, that is the way.

In all that you do,
Do with your might.
A job done in halves, is never done right.

I have recruited the help of two lovely girls to assist me with the housework. I'd better go wake them up.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Party in a Box

When we talked to Britta on her birthday, we made her promise to send us some pictures. It's been nearly 2 years since she has lived at home, and being the memory hoarder that I am, I told her that SOMEDAY she would want to look back and remember her college years. She simply must take some pictures. And send them to me.
I will ~~hoard~~ keep them for her.

We had packed up a birthday box, with all the makings of a party, but had shipped it a day late. It would be there on Monday (we hoped).

A couple days later, that wonderfully kind and obedient daughter sent us these:

Party box supplies fully utilized.

This birthday will be remembered, I will make sure of it.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Working Spring Break

Spring Break has finally arrived.

I'm calling it a "working Spring Break," since it will not include a vacation, overnight getaway, or sleeping in (unless you call 7 am sleeping in -- which I suppose is better than my regular 5:40 wake-up call). On the upside, I get two weeks off of work. On the downside, I don't get paid for my two weeks off, the older girls are off the first week, and Mar is off the second, which pretty much means I'm still on-call.

But I'm hoping to get some good things accomplished with my extra time.

Here's my back-on-the-horse wish list:

Ironing - DONE

Kitchen floor - MOPPED

Bathrooms - CLEAN

Basement - DECLUTTERED

House - PAINTED

Shilo's driver's ed class - COMPLETE

Lexee's job hunt - SUCCESSFUL
Finances - IN ORDER
Bills - PAID

Home filing system - REORGANIZED

Picture scanning - IN PROGRESS

Temple attendance - IMPROVED

Family calendar - UPDATED and ACCURATE

Monthly menu - CREATED

I'm overwhelmed already.

Let's just say I'm making the attempt to get back in the saddle. Mid-air, hoping for a soft landing.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Sigh

It's been a day (and a half). Here are some random tidbits:

Mauri has thrown up a dozen (+) times since 1 am.

Thankfully Bill took care of her needs throughout the night.

He only had to clean the toilet twice.

Spring Break officially began on Friday.

The same day Lex and Shi were told that a beloved teacher at their school had passed away the night before, after his nearly year-long battle with cancer. (Read more about him here)

My ears started plugging, my nose started running, and my throat felt scratchy.

(If I am sick over Spring Break, I will scream.)

A very dear friend went through the temple for the first time.

This morning we ran (okay, drove) to a track meet to see Lex race.
Bill and I arrived just in time to see her compete in the first event.

The medley relay.

Heat 2 of 3.

Over 20 teams in attendance.

People everywhere.

We got in video and camera position. Lex loosened up.

The gun went off. The first 100... the second 100... the 200... Legend was in first place.

Lex readied for the hand-off. Later, when she looked at the pictures, she could see her error.

Notice how she is standing. Notice how everyone else is standing.

The moment before... the fall.

Crossed feet, tangled legs, who knows. But Lex went down. AGAIN.

Both knees, this time. A loud, audible groan from the crowd.

Again, she picked herself up, and took off.

Again, I was proud of her tenacity and strength.

(Although, I have to admit, I was crying my eyes out. Thank heaven for sunglasses.)

She held her own. She couldn't catch that first place spot. Or even second. But she held on to 4th place, and didn't let that girl on her heels out-kick her at the finish line.

I heard comments from the crowd. Non-participating high-schoolers (not deserving of much credence). Laughing.
One boy said, "I wouldn't have gotten up. I would have just sat there and cried."

I wanted to yell, "Stupid kids! Where's your compassion?!"

But I didn't. I maintained composure.

Afterwards, Bill went to check on Lex before we headed home.

He consoled her while she puked (he was used to it after the night he just had) and gasped for air.

(She has an inhaler... and refuses to use it due to a first-time-try-tongue-numbing-gag-inducing experience.)

But she's a survivor.

We attended a lovely baptism and luncheon following our brief stop at the meet,

then headed home.

I have spent 99% of my time since, preparing a lesson for Relief Society.

I only stopped to get a drink, take a potty break, and down two doses of Alka-Seltzer Plus.

My family has enjoyed basketball (go BYU),

and tape-delayed American Idol.

I'm ready for bed.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Decisions, Decisions

When we moved to Colorado from Utah over 9 years ago, we discovered some fairly distinct differences as far as houses, yards, and landscaping go. We had always been fans of the rambler (Colorado calls them "ranch") style of homes, large yards, and materials that required little or no upkeep.

I remember sweating the decision of aluminum or vinyl siding on our first home. We chose vinyl, knowing full well that we would never have to lift a finger to keep it looking good, except to maybe hose it down every-other year or so. We were thrilled with our reasonably large lot, but had dreams of a bigger and grander yard, possibly even a half acre. I loved those white vinyl fences, and knew that someday, if I was careful and frugal enough, I, too, could have my yard incased in such awesomeness.

After we moved to Cedar Hills, the land of stucco and faux stone, we noticed some homes in our neighborhood that looked like they actually had wood siding. They had an obvious non-Utah look to them, and I marveled that someone would want to purchase such a house. They would need to paint it, for goodness sakes. Who paints these days with all the amazing products that promote themselves as
aesthetically pleasing
and, more importantly, maintenance free?

Then we started looking for homes in Colorado. Tiny yards. Wood siding. Predominately two-level. No long-coveted cement curbing... anywhere. Lots and lots of rock. Nary a vinyl fence to be found.

Lucky for us, things worked out better than we could have imagined, and our two-level, wood-sided house, on it's rock-landscaped corner lot with a split rail fence has been lovely. Truly.

But it's in some serious need of paint.

I finally got the thumbs up from Bill, so the process has begun. Let it be said, I am not good at selecting paint colors. One of the bedrooms in our home has been painted five times -- within about as many years. (Right now it's a glowing near-neon pink, and has been for years.)

It's a stressful decision, especially when you will have to live with your choice for the next 8 to 10 years. So I've been looking at paint colors I like. Slowly perusing surrounding neighborhoods, snapping pictures, hoping to find the perfect color combination for my house.

After snapping what felt like were boatloads of pictures, I came home to review them. That's when I realized that I definitely have an affinity for the greenish hue.

I have pondered the choices.

I have painstakingly purchased samples, and painted them on the side of my house (no going back now).

I have looked at them from every angle, and in every light.

I have requested input from my family and neighbors.

I think I have made my decision.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Getting Up

Last Saturday Lex had a track meet. Bill and I tag-teamed attendance, since there were a million things going on that day. Bill came in a suit. Nice.

This was a relay meet, and Lex was running several new events, one as the anchor in a 4 x 100.

Camera at the ready, I eagerly anticipated the action shot, with Lex as a contender. Then I heard Bill say, "Did you see that?" I looked down the track to where the hand-off takes place, and Lex was getting up. She had tripped.

Then she ran. And ran. Hard. And fast. But she still came in last.

I wasn't sure how Lex was going to handle it. She hates, hates, hates to come in last (I know, who doesn't), but to add the embarrassment of falling, I didn't know what her reaction would be. So I stood back and observed, ready to console, comfort, and encourage if needed.

She handled it with grace.
I didn't get the chance to talk to her before heading out, but 30 minutes later my phone rang.

"Did you see me run the 4 x 100?"

"Yes."

"Did you see me fall?"

"Yeah, honey, what happened?"

"I tripped myself."

"That's a bummer. I'm so proud of you for getting right back up and finishing."

"I'm running the medley in about an hour, will you be here to see it?"

Drama over. Gotta love that.

OUCH.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

In-N-Out Comfort Zone

Bill's new glasses came in. He's not big on showing off, so it was tricky getting a shot.

Especially when one pair are a little out of his comfort zone, because they are different than any glasses he's ever worn before. I could tell he didn't like them, and thought, perhaps, my services as his stylist would no longer be requested or desired.

He liked the second pair, since they were "similar, but updated" to his previous glasses.

He didn't even show the girls his out-of-my-comfort-zone pair for a couple of days. I was worried that they would hate them too, causing me to question my ability to assist with eye glass selection. Which would also mean that, thanks to my encouragement, we wasted some hard-earned money on glasses that would most likely end up buried deep at the bottom of a 72-hour emergency kit, hanging in the far recesses of the basement, hopefully never to be needed or seen again.

The girls liked them. Phew.

But if Bill will actually wear them is another story. I'm sure it will be a gradual process, so as not to draw undue attention to himself. Maybe he'll wear them while cleaning the garage, or working in the yard. Perhaps on a Sunday evening. Possibly even to watch TV in bed.

Now he just needs a new hair style. The girls thought maybe a faux hawk or a buzz?

(Don't worry, it will never happen, he's just so fun to tease.)

Monday, March 14, 2011

Twenty-Three Years of Wedded Bliss

This year we celebrated our 23rd Anniversary quietly and simply.

The actual day (3/12) was filled to the brim with a schedule that looked something like this:

9:00 am - 1:00 pm: track meet (Lexee)

9:30-10:30 am: church meeting (Bill)

12:00 - 2:00 pm: baby shower (Tina)
12:00-2:00 pm: babysitting (Shilo)

12:30 - 10:00 pm: birthday party (Mauri)

2:30 - 3:30 pm: wedding (Bill & Tina)

4:00 - 6:00 pm: Stake Leadership Meeting (Bill); wedding reception (Tina)

6:00 - 7:00 pm: dinner at church (Bill & Tina)

7:00 - 9:00 pm: adult session of Stake Conference

It was nuts.

But you can't let an important occasion such as a 23rd anniversary slip by, as if it meant nothing, so I have decided to post our engagement picture rejects, in commemoration.

I think I borrowed this cute pink number from my sister, and Bill already owned this tie.

This picture wasn't bad, but our facial expressions did not exude our can't-wait-to-be-married excitement and joy. It almost looks like we had already been married 23 years. Not that there's not excitement and joy anymore -- there's plenty -- it's just not as evident in our day-to-day countenances, because there's also 23 years of endure-to-the-end life-is-a-neverending-marathon mixed in.

With Bill's eyes-half-closed-teeth-clenched-I'm-thrilled-to-be-here expression, this picture was a no-go.

I've never been a fan of the "look at the ring" pose -- for anyone. When I'm paying a wedding photographer, I will make it clear to not waste time on this particular shot. And what was up with my hair? This was definitely not the best angle to capture the bigness of it all. I don't think I spent much time styling the back. But you do get a clear view of my pre-maternal makeup artistry skills.

Awkward arms. 'Nough said.

My favorite reject, thanks to Bill. (This is how our kids look when they sleep... eyelids cracked just enough to see their eyeballs rolling around underneath.) It just makes me smile. In these pics, we are in our special clothes -- the ones we purchased for this engagement-picture-taking occasion. I was a sucker for all things shiny. I loved, loved, loved satin. We shopped together for the perfect tie to complement my immaculately styled aquamarine blouse. I think Bill wore that tie for at least 15 years (or more), so it was our first sound financial investment.

This reject is my least favorite (cough, cough). I just wanted to show off my eye-shadow skills again. A metallic gold on the lid, shimmering copper in the crease, coordinating frosted aqua on the outside corners... in case you were wondering how to duplicate the look.

Another wasted ring shot.

And the winner was:

Just the right amount of happiness, joy, and perfect-hair-bigness (for both of us).

And to top it off, we are holding hands. How sweet is that?

These days my hair is never that big, although sometimes I relapse and get it close, Bill's hair would no longer disappear into the dark background, and we just might have that 23-years-of-married-bliss + 23-years-of-marathoning look on our faces. Our clothes wouldn't be as snazzy, our skin wouldn't be as youthful, my makeup wouldn't look so done.

But we love each other much more than we could have possibly imagined back then.

And we still hold hands.

And if you're dying to know, our quiet and simple celebration this year consisted of:

miso soup and sushi,
a run to Costco,
a stop by Safeway,
a rental from Redbox,
and frozen yogurt from Gotcha
...a day early.

We know how to party.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Happy Birthday, Britt!

Today is the day. At 5:27am (AM!) 20 years ago, a beautiful 6 lb. 1 oz. (TINY) baby girl joined our young and growing family. Our first daughter. You.

You came awfully close to being named Lacy, which was really strange, since it wasn't a name we had ever considered before (or since). Call it post-partum loss of rational thought on my part. Thankfully, Dad's persuasive skills came in handy that day.

I could have never imagined fully on that day, what a joy and blessing you would be.

I loved your curly hair, big brown eyes, and cute giggle. You loved to play with Taylor and his friends, and didn't care much for dolls. Your favorite toys: a rocking horse and a bike. You were a bit of a tom-boy, and didn't like ruffles and frills (yep, Lacy wouldn't have been a good fit).

Then you started school. My favorite memories:

Mr. Funk's Hillbilly band program

your stress on picture day, and fear of retakes

your impeccable spelling and handwriting

your kindness towards others

As you got older, contacts replaced eye-glasses, and the curls were no longer your favorite look (were they ever? I would trade you hair any day, you know). You got highlights. You took up choir, and marched in the Parade of Lights. You had your hopes crushed when you tried out for cheerleading and didn't make the team. You showed strength and determination as you embarked on gymnastics, and ran on the cross country team.

You seemed to skip over most of the drama of middle and high school -- you have an amazing ability to not get caught up in it. You showed courage as you tried out for cheerleading again, and once you had made the team, worked hard to improve your skills. You were diligent in your schoolwork, faithful in your religious behavior, a reliable worker, a contributing family member, and a great friend.

A mother simply couldn't ask for more.

I love you and hope you always remember what an amazing woman you are. You are blessed with wonderful talents, and the world will be better because of you.

And, lucky me, I knew you first.

And longest.

Happy 20th Birthday, Britta!

Love, Mom

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Six Days of Britt (5)

What does a Father say to his beautiful daughter on the eve of her 20th birthday?

Memories flood his mind, joy fills his heart, and the words THANK YOU come to mind.

THANK YOU for coming into my life as a darling daughter of God, allowing me to feel the love and joy our Heavenly Father feels for all of His children!

THANK YOU for always bringing a smile to my face and for making our home a happy place!

THANK YOU for being a sweet and wonderful child! One full of curiosity and a desire to learn and grow!

THANK YOU for being a Christlike example to others and allowing me the privilege and honor of baptizing you!

THANK YOU for your wonderful example of diligence, persistence, and dedication as you transitioned from childhood into young womanhood.

THANK YOU for faithfully attending 4 years of early morning seminary, leaving home around 5:45am each morning! (I continue to be impressed how you existed on limited sleep night after night, regularly staying up past 11:00 or 12:00 to finish homework that always awaited you after demanding days of cheer, tumbling, work, and participation in Young Women activities were completed.)

THANK YOU for sharing the fun of your High School years with me and your beautiful Mother.

THANK YOU for working hard to achieve key milestones in your life that I know will bring you much success and joy throughout life!

THANK YOU for allowing your parents to demonstrate their love for you in public forums. (I know how much you love these sandwich kisses, Mom and Dad think they are great too!)

THANK YOU for continuing to live your life in a manner that shows your beauty and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

AND MOST OF ALL THANK YOU for being such a wonderful part of my life, yesterday, today, and always! Happy 20th birthday Britta! From your proud, honored, and thankful Father who loves you more than words can express!