Category Archives: memories

Moments of the Holidays

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Another set of cliff notes for our holiday season.  I can tell you it flew by. If time just keeps speeding up at this rate, when I am 70 I am not going to be sure anything at all is happening if I don’t write down the moments in the very next moment.  I think
I must need more blueberries or ginko biloba or to join lumosity.com, most likely all of the above.

December 6th, Wyatt's 13th birthday. We made cupcakes for him and he wanted Michele S chicken lime tacos for Sunday dinner.

December 6th,
Wyatt’s 13th birthday. We made cupcakes for him and he wanted Michele S chicken lime tacos for Sunday dinner.

Lelu enjoyed herself a big strawberry shortcake cupcake.

Lelu enjoyed herself a big strawberry shortcake cupcake.

December 12th - our annual nutcracker performance with McKinley, Sierra & Kenzie

December 12th – our annual girl’s night nutcracker performance with McKinley, Sierra & Kenzie and Christina joined us this time…a little estrogen needed in a house of testosterone.

 

Dec 15th - Our Christmas shopping to LA adventure begins with Tito's Tacos. Good thing they don't have those in SLC..So yummy

Dec 15th – Our Christmas shopping to LA adventure begins with Tito’s Tacos. Good thing they don’t have those in SLC..So yummy and hard to resist.

The Grove decorated so beautifully, Cherie & Kelly

The Grove decorated so beautifully, Cherie & Kelly

Christina & I...we saw the Hobbit and I slept through a lot of it...and I DID NOT eat any sugar free gummy bears this time.

Christina & I…we saw the Hobbit and I slept through a lot of it…and I DID NOT eat any sugar free gummy bears this time.

As we were eating dinner watching this incredible sunset, Cherie was on the phone finding out Kenzie was getting her appendix out. We drove her to the airport to go home on the next flight, sadly ending her much needed girl's trip. On the way to the airport there was a 3 car pile up right next to us on the 405. Yikes - as if our nerves were not already shot.

December 16th, As we were eating dinner watching this incredible sunset, Cherie was on the phone finding out Kenzie was getting her appendix out. We drove her to the airport to put her on the next flight, sadly ending her much needed girl’s trip. On the way to the airport there was a three car pile up right next to us on the 405. Yikes – as if our nerves were not already shot.

The sunset only got more beautiful. Such a bitter-sweet moment. We went back to our little beach house and I finished my final paper and emailed it to B to print for me to give to one of my babysitters to drive up to the U and drop it off in the philosophy department. I dreamed all night long there were problems and in my dream was told I was going to get a 'C' for Cinnamon. In my dream I was crying about how many things I like with cinnamon but that I couldn't get a "C". I woke up laughing. I went out and told Kelly and the next day got better. Kenzie did great in her surgery and was on the mend.

The sunset only got more beautiful. Such a bitter-sweet moment. We went back to our little beach house and I finished my final paper and emailed it to B to print and give to one of my babysitters who drove it up to the U and dropped it off in the philosophy department. I dreamed all night long there were problems and in my dream was told I was going to get a ‘C’ for Cinnamon. Also in my dream I was crying about how many things I like with cinnamon but that “I COULD NOT GET A “C”. I woke up laughing. I went out and told Kelly & Christina, we were all laughing and the next day got better, especially when we found out Kenzie did great in her surgery and was on the mend.

Perfect breakfast with a Cinnamon spiced Chai

December 17th Perfect breakfast with a Cinnamon spiced Chai – even if I did end up with a “C” – life is good!  (I didn’t end up with a “C” – but the hardest earned “B+” in the history of my schooling.)

Crazy people in LA do crazy things for attention. Poor cat and I don't even like cats.

Crazy people in LA do crazy things for attention. Poor cat and I don’t even like cats.

Successful shopping safari - as B would say - we were ready for Christmas, if not ready to leave 75 degrees to go home to a snow storm.

December 18th  Successful shopping safari – as B would say – we were ready for Christmas, if not ready to leave 75 degrees to go home to a snow storm.

December 20th Ari's Christmas dance recital.

December 20th Ari’s Christmas dance recital.

The most festive and out of my comfort zone Christmas nails

The most festive and out of my comfort zone Christmas nails. It’s like Christmas lights on the end of my fingers.

 

We went to see "Walter Mitty" - great movie! but my favorite moment of the entire season happened in the bathroom at the movie theatre. You all know how I love Seinfeld...I went into a stall and realized too late that there was no toilet paper, Ari was in there with me so I say to her "Please find me some toilet paper" when underneath the stall comes a hand with some TP and the woman says "I can spare a square". If I hadn't already been where I was - I most certainly would have peed my pants.

We went to see “Walter Mitty” – great movie! but my favorite moment of the entire season (next to talking to Master D) happened in the bathroom at the movie theatre. You all know how I love Seinfeld…I went into a stall and realized too late that there was no toilet paper, Ari was in there with me so I say to her “Please find me some toilet paper” when underneath the stall comes a hand with some TP and the woman says “I can spare a square”. If I hadn’t already been where I was – I most certainly would have peed my pants.

We made trains with the J&C and boys, opened our pj's and dreamed of talking to Master D the next day!

We made trains with the J&C and boys, opened our pj’s and dreamed of talking to Master D the next day!

I saved the best for the last....there is not better gift than when you are deprived of part of your family on Christmas day, than to skype for an hour - always emotional to say goodbye but only for eight more weeks.

I saved the best for the last….there is not better gift than when you are deprived of part of your family on Christmas day, than to skype for an hour – always emotional to say goodbye but only for eight more weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Weekend Playtime

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The gang - minus Michelle & Aub at home 'slaving' away..

The gang at Brighton on a beautiful day – minus Michelle & Aub at home ‘slaving’ away..  (Wyatt and Lelu in the helmets)

It’s a problem when you wait almost 2 months  to write about stuff.  I will most likely forget something.  This year for Thanksgiving, we were lucky enough to have Michelle & Maruan, Aub, Jeff, Christina and their boys.  The day before, however, on Wednesday didn’t quite go as well as I usually like it too.  I ruined the first set of rolls that I made, then the next batch just didn’t quite raise, so the rolls were pretty much a bust for our meal and then Aub’s flight was VERY delayed and a nightmare of traffic at the airport.

Thursday morning shined anew and we had plenty to be grateful for:

1. The turkey got put in bright and early

2. We went skiing.  Christina skied for the first time in eight years and didn’t fall down once – neither did I.  That’s a big deal.  We rocked it!!

3. Michelle and Aub prepared all the veggies and peeled the potatoes while we were gone.

The adult table.

The adult table with an Ari photo bomb

The table of kiddos…poor Landon & Lelu.  They are almost adults

 

The table of kiddos...poor Landon & Lelu

4. The food was awesome – except the rolls…. yet no one complained that the rolls sucked.

I think this is Lelu's plate so not all food groups are represented, but you get the idea..

I think this is Lelu’s plate so not all food groups are represented, but you get the idea..

5. i dragged everyone to see “The Book Thief”, which I absolutely loved (in my top ten favorite books) and no one else did because it’s kind of a downer story — even though the main character triumphs in the end.  I’m grateful they humored me.

6. On Friday, it was fairly nice weather and we all walked to the park. We played baseball & soccer.  Aside from B pulling some kind of toe/foot muscle, it was a ton of fun!

a little soccer..

a little soccer..

An electronic game at the park, that would be Michelle diving for the button

An electronic game at the park, that would be Michelle diving for the button, And the little kids just hanging around..

a friendly baseball game, with little to no bad sportsmanship from unnamed players..

a friendly baseball game, with little to no bad sportsmanship from unnamed players..

Lucky little Ari got a 'massage' from uncle Maruan

Lucky little Ari got a ‘massage’ from uncle Maruan

 

The brothers Taylor settle in for a hold your tummy long winters nap.

The brothers Taylor settle in for a hold-your-tummy-long-winters-nap.

7. This is the last Thanksgiving without Master D.  He had 3 meals that day.  So much gratitude for the people of New York!

8. I have a nearly perfect life….just the right amount of imperfection.. for me… and it’s enough. For that I am pretty dang happy!

 

 

Lelu & Chan-Man Are All Grown Up

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Is there anything wrong with living a little vicariously through your children?  Oh my, did I have so much fun! Warning: a whole lot of photos in this post.  Cherie and I have been friends for going on 15 years.  Lelu and Chandler spent a lot of time together growing up.  Now that Lelu can date, she really wanted to go to homecoming.  I didn’t realize how much I wanted her to go too!  So here’s how it all went down;

On a Monday night at about 10:15 there was a very loud knock on the door and this was left on the doorstep.

On a Monday night at about 10:15 there was a very loud knock on the door and this was left on the doorstep.  The next morning I got a text from Cherie with the super disclaimer that Chandler came up with asking her on his own and obviously made the poster on his own – she would have made Lelu sugar cookies (her absolute favorite).  I think It is way more fun this way – sorry Lelu no sugar cookies – but I love that neither of us moms orchestrated their date.

Here's her answer filled with marshmallows (she liked that better than rice)
Here’s her answer filled with marshmallows (she liked that better than rice)

Inside the marshmallows were these little power rangers because all Lelu remembers playing at Chandler's house was power rangers - she was always pink. And we thought Bridger and Kenzie would like them too. Dropping this off was hilarious because we took the twins and Madison to answer and Chandler was in the garage working on his jeep and Cherie was in the driveway talking to her parents in their car and my kids thought they could somehow still pull it off in stealth - needless to say..they were totally caught and I had a very good laugh!

Inside the marshmallows were these little power rangers because all Lelu remembers playing at Chandler’s house was power rangers – she was always pink. And we thought Bridger and Kenzie would like them too. Dropping this off was hilarious because we took the twins and Madison to answer and Chandler was in the garage working on his jeep and Cherie was in the driveway talking to her parents in their car and my kids thought they could somehow still pull it off in stealth – needless to say..they were totally caught and I had a very good laugh!

I did her hair....I still got it...yes? We had to show off the very cute back of the amazing dress - that I would totally wear if it fit me.

I did her hair….I still got it…yes? We had to show off the very cute back of the amazing dress – that I would totally wear if it fit me.

My friend, Ann, who is amazing at make-up came over and transformed minimal make-up Lelu into something quite spectacular without making her look like she had on too much.

My friend, Ann, who is very talented at make-up came over and transformed minimal make-up Lelu into something quite spectacular without making her look like she had on too much.

All ready to go, proud dad!
All ready to go, proud dad!

Ari was a little bit envious of all the attention - but I assure you when her day comes - I will just as excited!

Ari was a little bit envious of all the attention – but I assure you when her day comes – I will be just as excited!

TT didn't think it was that big of a deal and wanted to know why he had to pose for a photo

TT didn’t think it was that big of a deal and wanted to know why he had to pose for a photo

Um she didn't know how to pin it on, I made an attempt and poked him with the pin and then Madison's mom made it work.

Um she didn’t know how to pin it on, I made an attempt and poked him with the pin and then Madison’s mom made it work.

Lelu and Chan Man all grown up and ready to hit the town

Lelu and Chan Man all grown up and ready to hit the town – Okay so honesty moment, Cherie and I did orchestrate the outfits and went shopping together and picked out Chandler’s outfit too.  One of the perks -that I don’t think will happen again

The group: Lelu and Chan, Tanner and Maddie & Tanner & Maddie - Honestly!

The group: Lelu and Chan, Tanner & Maddie and Tanner & Maddie – Honestly that’s their names! The night was a huge success.  They are all friends so it was totally comfortable, had a great dinner, the dance was super fun and then they went swimming in a pool that was heated to ninety degrees and then Cherie made them all delicious hot chocolate.  First date – TOTAL SUCCESS!!

 

My house was the last stop so all of the parents showed up here to take photos. I think I had as much fun as Lelu did.

My house was the last stop so all of the parents showed up here to take photos. I think I had as much fun as Lelu did.

 

 

 

When parents are away, the kids can finally play!

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Guest Blogger: Lelu

When the parents are away, the kids can finally play 🙂

This is our Utah-Arizona adventure extravaganza with some of our favorite people.

  • Michele: Our beautiful aunt. She is an amazing cook, crafter, and mom to four gorgeous little boys. 
  • Dave: Uncle Dave! He is very musically talented, he can put up with chick flick’s (if you ask me, that is impressive), and an amazing dad to his four boys! Oh, and his favorite food is watermelon turkey 😉
  • Tay Tay: The cutest 6 year old out there! All I can say is girls will be chasing after him. He is such a little sweetheart.
  • Christy: SO STINKIN’ CUTE! He loves TT with all his heart, tears were shed when TT left, such a sweet boy! And he can sing his little heart out!
  • Grant: Feisty. That little boy! Oh my goodness, he can put up a fight! But his little face… I can’t argue with that. SO CUTE! He still has such a sweet side to him… He is exactly like Ari.
  • Ryan: OH MY GOODNESS. Ryan is such a little chub. Apparently I was a baby hogger. But I couldn’t stay away! He is the cutest little thing ever!

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Hiking/Paragliding – My favorite day!

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Dinner out by the lake. Great friends, great laughs, good food, great view...doesn't get much better

Dinner out by the lake Zell am see. Great friends, great laughs, good food, great view…doesn’t get much better…..at least I didn’t think so until the next day!  B is taking the photo.

07/17/13 Today we took a gondola up to the top of the ski resort on Mt. Schmittenhöhe.  Ahhhh I am in my happy place, hiking up there!  It was gorgeous beyond words, the hills were some killer climbing and it could have only been more perfect if Continue reading →

Hang Ten Diehards!

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Lelu only spent one day surfing - the wet suit doesn't allow for getting a tan or checking out the multiple young attractive boys playing volleyball

Lelu only spent one day surfing – the wet suit doesn’t allow for getting a tan or checking out the multiple young attractive boys playing volleyball

 

This could be a postcard - Lelu and Landon loving the sunset. I can't help but think God loves us every time I look at something this amazing!

This could be a postcard – Lelu and Landon loving the sunset. I can’t help but think “God loves us!!” every time I look at something this amazing!

The tandem bike is a great idea in theory for kids to have fun....not so much in practice. Note to self -Next time I will not be talked into it.

The tandem bike is a great idea IN THEORY for kids to have fun….not so much in practice. Note to self -Next time I will not be talked into it.

We ate at a nice restaurant one night. As B and I were enjoying our salads, the manager came over and said "Did you order any food for the children?" I said "no they'll get McDonald's later" What kind of parents did we look like?

We ate at a nice restaurant one night. As B and I were enjoying our salads, the manager came over and said “Did you not get food for the children?” I said “no they ate yesterday” What kind of parents do we look like?

You know I almost named him Noah, I thought Noah and Ariel would be cute together....not knowing they'd be such ocean loving, surfing loving die hards. They were out there for a minimum of three hours for three days.

You know I almost named him Noah, I thought Noah and Ariel would be cute together….not even knowing they’d be such ocean loving, surfing loving die hards. They were out there for a minimum of three hours for three days.

This is the only photo of me, you know the mom behind the camera predicament. This is how I spent a bit of the time they were surfing. I happened upon a seal playing in the surf and wished I took my phone with me, so I sat and watched it soaking in the moment of joy.

This is the only photo of me, you know ‘the mom behind the camera predicament’. This is how I spent a bit of the time they were surfing. Walking up and down the beach. As it seems it’s one of my all time favorite activities.  I happened upon a seal playing in the surf and wished I took my phone with me to snap a photo, so I sat and watched it long enough to soak in the coolness of the moment and burning the image into my brain.

 

Did you know this CA boy had never surfed before? I didn't. But now he has and it was gnarly!

Did you know this CA boy had never surfed before? I didn’t. But now he has and he was gnarly! Is that even a surfing word?  One of these years I’ll get out there too.  I took up running at 40, B took up surfing at 50 – so 45 sounds about right? Next year…

We hired the same instructor as last year and he remembered us. Ari was very well named - water and the surfboard just seems a part of her.

We hired the same instructor as last year and he remembered us. Ari was very well named – water and the surfboard just seems a part of her.  She hasn’t stopped campaigning to move down there.

We attempted to play volleyball - Me, Christina, Landon, Wyatt, Lelu, TT and Ari. Let me just say it was very evenly matched in a 'none of us knew how to actually play'. And it was fun until I got nailed in the face!

We attempted to play volleyball – Me, Christina, Landon, Wyatt, Lelu, TT and Ari. Let me just say it was very evenly matched in a ‘none of us knew how to actually play’. And it was fun until I got nailed in the face with the ball!

We actually came home on Easter Sunday, so this year the Easter Bunny just happened to see us on the street the night before and had no baskets for anyone. It was a little sad, but since we had just spent five days at the beach - the Easter bunny did not feel very much guilt.

We actually came home on Easter Sunday, so this year the Easter Bunny just happened to see us on the street the night before and had no baskets for anyone. It was a little sad, but since we had just spent five days at the beach – the Easter bunny did not feel very much guilt.  What’s up with the boys and their hoodies?  I just noticed that.  

 

Huntington Beach is officially one of our favorite places to go – especially for Spring Break.  We played all day, the kids were wiped out fairly early and B and I got out our laptops – isn’t the tech age amazing?  Homework and work didn’t have to be totally neglected while the kids thoroughly enjoyed their spring break.  I love those win-wins!  We got to hang out with Christina and the boys a couple days, and Jeff, Christina and the boys for a day.  Jeff was inspired to try to surf too since B did.  I just didn’t catch any photo ops for him. Wyatt showed us all how it’s done and Landon toughed it out without a rash guard – suffering some wicked surfboard rash.