Nothing to blog about

The only thing I've been updating on my blog are my kids' quotes because really, there is nothing to blog about.

I can't blog about my FIL cussing me out over the phone and then hanging up on me after giving me the whole "after all we've done for you" spiel.

I can't blog about how a mother publicly bawled me out at church on Sunday for "publicly humiliating and shaming the children over a song". (The irony isn't lost on me.) Apparently my best isn't good enough.

And really you don't want to hear about how I lost my wallet- well, really I think Eden tossed it or something- so I'm starting from scratch. Good news- new driver's license picture.

Or how I'm becoming a pioneer woman trying to use up all the fruit on my fruit trees- 2 types of fruit leather, 2 types of syrup and Asian plum sauce.

Our day to day activities like camping over Labor day weekend, coaching soccer, going to BYU games with my gorgeous sister, helping at school, playing games with friends, storytime, working out, etc. are really boring to hear about.

That's all pretty boring. So- just look at my kids cute quotes and check back for something much more interesting. I'm sure.

To my neighbors

Dear Neighbors-
Just to clarify, yes, that was me lying on the driveway with my bike on top of me. In my defense, I was clipped into my bike and thought I could make it up the hill (that is my driveway) if I went really fast. I didn't have enough momentum and by the time I was going down I didn't react fast enough to clip out and catch myself- so yes, that was me you saw fall over, on my bike, in my driveway.
I'm glad you thought I was the kind of person who can laugh at myself. Only, small problem, I wasn't actually laughing so in reality you were just laughing at me. But don't worry, I'm okay with it.
Also, thanks for not coming over to check and make sure I was okay because really that would have just embarrassed me more. I know I was laying there a while but it would have taken you so much longer to walk over to help, I understand. I just needed a minute to catch my breath and my strength to clip out and get up. And I'm fine. Really. My pride's a little hurt. I'm a little scraped and the whole right side of my body is bruised, but I'm good.
Yes, you are also correct in thinking that my daughter was standing there watching the whole thing. But it's good for her to see that mom falls too (and doesn't cry or swear!) and is totally okay with the neighbors laughing and not helping.
Thanks for helping me to find the humor in the situation and teaching me self-reliance. I'll be sure to return the favor.
Your neighbor,
Luisa

confessions of a foodie

(Picture of one of my recent favorite recipes. When I get around to it- I'll post it. They're divine. Kind of like shortbread with lemon meringue pie filling. I did it once with lime too. ahhhh.)

I like food. I like to eat. I like to talk about food. I like to plan out what to eat. I dream about food (just the other night- icecream sandwiches) And so on, and so forth. I'm lucky I work out and have a fast metabolism. Here are a few confessions . . .

* I think part of the reason I like to eat squash and zucchini is because of the butter on top. I love butter!

*As a kid- I loved to eat the fat on meat. I know-disgusting.

*I get excited about cooking new recipes. Even more excited if they are good and easy. I'll tell the world about them. (So if you have any-bring them my way. Especially if they are funky.)

*Fresh produce is exhilarating. That's why I love Sunflower Market.

*I hate wasting food so if my kids don't eat all their food, I'll usually finish it. Just yesterday I debated whether I should save what was left of their oatmeal from breakfast and eat it for lunch. Don't worry, the voice of reason won out. I tossed it.

*Growing up my dad would give me the skin off his chicken if I would do the Sunday dishes for him. And I did.

*I don't consider candy food.

*I don't like most sweets in general but I enjoy making cookies and all that. Then I give it away.

*If I was to grow fat on one thing it would be bread. I love good artisan breads. Oh wait, 2 things-bread AND cheese. I love good cheeses.

*I love pizza. Really any kind. Even the .89 Totino's party pizza. That's why I think it's worthless to pay for gourmet pizzas because I get just as much satisfaction from an .89 one as I do an 8.99 one.

*Chocolate, no thanks. (This coming from a girl who used to eat fat. Incomprehensible, I know.)

*Orange juice is like coffee to me. It gives me a jolt of sugar in the morning and gets me going.

*I hate syrup. I always eat my pancakes plain. Well, with butter of course. (As a kid I always worried about getting it in my long hair- yes, I'm vain too!JK)

*I get excited when I make a good dinner and have leftovers. Usually I can't wait until lunch to eat them and eat them for breakfast. Cold.

* I like my own cooking so much that sometimes it is quite a disappointment to go out to eat. I'm annoyed that I spent money on food when I make better stuff at home. Not that I'm saying I'm amazing but most people like their own cooking. I do.

*Garlic. Mmmm. Lots of garlic.

* I like all ethnic foods and have "holiday" meals for different countries just for an excuse to eat different food. My kids have eaten many weird meals. They're still alive. So we're okay.

YAY, my internet is working. I would've posted this DAYS ago when I started it but my internet has been junky. It's very frustrating. Anyway, I didn't even read over this so I'm going to call it good.

What makes you a foodie?

6 months- a photojourney

March: Montreal, Quebec
Eden and I tagged along to Jason's business trip to see beautiful Montreal. So much fun and not too bad in winter. Gorgeous, good food, good company. I only saw one guy peeing in the subway. Not too shabby.
Eden got the hang of riding the metro. She even has the look of indifference down. Don't worry, afterwords I sanitized her hands. UGH!. Us at the waterfront.

April: Grand Canyon and Phoenix, AZ
The whole lot of us drove to visit my sister and her family over Easter/Spring Break. We stopped at the Grand Canyon on the way and I left with all my kids, thankfully. Of course, we managed to visit Phoenix when it was raining- go figure. But we still loved the heat and hated coming back to more snow storms. The zoo was particularly fun but getting a letter in the mail with my picture saying I was speeding to get there was not so fun.

I promised my mom an Easter photo and the rest of you have to deal with it. Sorry.
May: Kolob Canyon, UT (part of Zion)
While Jason was livin' it up in Florida, Mindi and I had a campout with just us girls and the kids. It was wonderful weather, terrific scenery, and we stayed up late talking like girls at a sleepover. The only downfall was Sunday morning (which was also Mother's Day) our girls were planning a great Mother's Day surprise and were so excited to do it that they came in at 5 am!

Kolob Canyon with Mindi and kids.We went to a park in Cedar City Sunday for a picnic before we headed back. It was amazing!

June: Bear Lake, UT
We had a mini family reunion for the Bear Lake 1/2 marathon. I was the official driver/cheerleader for my 3 siblings that ran it. Weather- not so great. BUT we still managed to have fun. The Seadoo was surprisingly not too cold with a wet suit- even with the rain and wind. No pictures of this. Oops!

July: Oregon, New York, Canada
July was a whirlwind. We went to Oregon for my spectacular sister's wedding. She was stunning as usual and he was demure. They are terrific together-yay for them. The pre-wedding prep:crazy. Then I came home for 2 days and flew to NYC. I went with another sister for her 30th birthday and my mom. We had a blast trying to fit in as much as we could and eating lots of good food. If you go- let me recommend a few things-- Shake Shack and Magnolia Bakery's key lime cheesecake. Also, don't forget the most important sightseeing- ratwatching on the subway. Lastly, Canada for Delbert's (FIL) 80th b-day. (No pictures of this-- while I went to the car to get a diaper for Eden, they took all the family pictures. Apparently they are embarrassed to have me in their family.) I flew in from NYC and Jason picked me up at the airport to hit the road. All in all- it was a good trip. Not without the typical family drama but we got to see lots of people, play games, go hiking, great hospitality. Fun all around.
Henderson lake in Lethbridge-Jason grew up there. Takkakaw Falls in B.C.

Rat watching- yes, I took this photo myself. On the bike tour- which I HIGHLY recommend.Where else in the US would you find a yiddish bus?
Lastly, one of our celeb sightings. In case you can't tell who that is in the background with my big head, another photo I took. That ain't from no fancy magazine people. That's from my little camera! Forest Whittaker. Alive and well.
August: Manhattan Beach, CA
After all our traveling we needed a trip to unwind! We were also celebrating Jason's b-day and our 12th anniversary. (Can you believe I'm that old?) So we took the kids to the beach for a few days. It was sublime. Sun, Sand, Warm water-- delicious. We even stopped in Vegas for the Bellagio Buffet on our way. I've never eaten so many crab legs. The drawback: it was too windy for the water show. I guess we might have to go to Vegas again.


Well, that's it. For now. I love to travel so I'm sure we'll do more but with school coming- we'll have to tone it down. Now back to reality. Maybe I'll post more. Maybe-- only if you want me to. . .

Nothing says home like

When returning home last night after being gone for almost 3 weeks straight I'm discovering nothing says home like

. . .the musty smell of, is that the garbage disposal, sponge or dirty rag in the sink?

. . .looking out in your yard to see your garden and flower beds taken over by weeds.

. . .taking a hot shower for as long as I want.

. . .a dirty car to empty, clean and vacuum.

. . .pouring a half gallon of curdled milk down the drain.

. . .going to bed naked, a luxury I indulge in every once in a while (hot body+cool sheets=pure heaven.)

. . .5 loads of dirty laundry.

. . .being woken up to nightmares and "mom, I think Zoe pooped on the floor and I just stepped in it"

. . .cleaning out all the rotten food in the fridge.

. . .20 messages on my answering machine- one from my credit card company for possible fraud on my card.

. . .grocery shopping and errands after having driven 15 hours the previous two days (not to mention the hours of driving all the other days) and not wanting to get in the car.

. . .showing up at 5 and having to think- what will I make for dinner?

. . .waking up in my own bed and being able to stay in my pjs until noon and make a late breakfast for the kids, and enjoy the peace and quiet of my own home.

Despite trips and all that entails coming back- I LOVE being home. There's nothing quite like it!
Thanks to everyone we saw who made the trips wonderful!

Perspective

Perspective is an interesting thing. Something can look totally different when you change perspective. It's funny to hear someone say "We're so laid back" and yet you think they are very uptight. And how many times do we do the same? In our minds, we see ourselves a certain way and yet others see us totally different. Kids are very good about helping you with that very problem. They tell you exactly what they think. I love it. Really. It's very refreshing. In general, I appreciate honesty over falseness. I'd much rather someone be completely upfront with me than smile and say stuff behind my back or make snide comments all the while acting "nice". Mara gave me a little perspective this week when she drew this portrait of me. I had to stifle the laughter when she gave this picture to me and told me it was me. I mean, I've always thought I was a little hippy-- but these, THESE are child-bearing hips. And my hair, yes, it can be a little frizzy, but WOW I had no idea it looked like this. On the other hand, I've thought my lips were a little thin but apparently they are very nice and full. She did get one thing right- I'm completely flat! From now on, I will ask my kids how I look because I know they will tell it like it is!

Moral of the Story: Don't try to teach your kids

Once upon a time the prince of the household wanted some Star Wars legos just like his friends. His mother, the ruler of the kingdom (that's right!) decided it would be a great opportunity to teach the young prince the value of money and hard work. The Star Wars legos were $10 so the young prince needed to do chores around the manor to earn $10. Unfortunately, the young prince did not understand that one does not earn $10 in a day. It required more chores than expected and he wanted instant gratification. It became a source of constant annoyance to the great ruler as the young prince was always asking what chores could be done when it wasn't an ideal time and expected to earn more money than the chore was worth. He grew frustrated that it was taking longer than he expected (more than 1 day that is) and the ruler got tired of his constant complaints that he didn't have more than he wanted and how long would it take to get the toys and so on and so forth. The ruler quickly learned that it is better to not have her subjects earn money at all for anything and thus her subjects were forced into her servitude with nothing to gain but warmth, love, food, and protection. So, to the rest of you rulers out there-- don't add extra discord in your kingdom by trying to teach your princes/princesses the value of money and hardwork. They will never be satisfied and you will frustrated for even trying.
And so it was and so it ever will be.
The end.