2 More Days!

I feel like I have been waiting, counting the days, and waiting some more until Christmas- FOREVER... it feels just like it did when I was a little kid anticipating the abundance of pretty packages that magically appeared under the tree on Christmas morning. I am so happy Christmas is finally only 2 days away. The gifts are wrapped, cards are out (long out), and treats are made. I am so excited for the family parties, yummy food, opening my presents...and watching Noah open his presents. He is so excited and already points out his packages under the tree. Having a little one at Christmas helps bring back the magic! It is going to be an awesome week!

Best Date Ever, Part 2

Who: Little man and moi
Activity: Bolt

I decided to take the little man to the movies for the first time- ever. It sounded like the perfect way to kick off the weekend. I was a little apprehensive though. I was envisioned popcorn thrown everywhere, Noah running around screaming with me not able to catch him with my hands full carrying our goodies, and him squirming in his seat wanting to leave half way though. You know- how it is at church. (Side note: reminds me if we had sacrament FIRST the way it was intended to be he would do much better and we could always enjoy a full 3 hours of church. If you know anyone who can change this have them call me.)

Nope, it didn't happen that way at all, the little man was an angel. I first sat him in his own seat next to me but his big seat pretty much folded back up with him in it. He didn't like that so and I don't think he could even see so he sat on my lap. He happily munched on popcorn and sipped his Sprite and watched THE ENTIRE MOVIE. There were also a couple quiet parts where Noah yelled out 'ah oh' and 'cute'. We had the best time. Now I have to take him to see Madagascar 2...he will love it!

Almond Citrus Slush

I love this drink, so much! It is perfect for parties and the Holidays. This is my friend JoLynn's recipe- she used to always bring it to Bunko back in the Bunko days. It's been a while since I have had it and I can't wait to make it this weekend! It's an easy recipe to half and you can just keep it in the freezer until you need it, just thaw it to a slush. Enjoy!

Almond Citrus Slush

9 c water
4 c sugar
1 can frozen lemonade
1 can frozen orange joice
2 t vanilla
1 t almond extract

Disolve sugar in water, then add remaining ingredients. Freeze to a slush and add to Sprite or Fresca.

Hello Christmas

This year I am feeling a little extra Christmas cheer. Not sure why but I am just going to roll with it. The wreath is hung (thanks mom, it smells so delish),

the shopping is done, and the music is playing. I am trying to savor every moment and can't wait to decorate the tree and garland this weekend. And I am sure I will bake something yummy. And there are a million other things I am so excited for... and I can't stop thinking about the menu at Christmas Eve dinner. I have never been so excited for cheese fondue and my friend JoLynn's citrus almond slush drink. What are you excited for?

Last night we took my sister Jenny and did the Tour de Thanksgiving Point to check out the lights. We also visited two of Santa's Reindeer. They were adorable!

Post Thanksgiving Thoughts

I think I have fully recovered from an amazing long Thanksgiving weekend. We had the best time just hanging out at home spending time together as a family. I love how Thanksgiving kicks off the Christmas season. Bring it!!

Best Movie: Four Christmases- loved it! Lots of laughs. Have you seen it yet? We invited my brother and his wifey and were a little freaked out the first 10 minutes when it appeared to be an R rated movie even though we swore it was PG13. We prefer to indulge in that smut by ourselves without dragging innocent victims with us.

Favorite Thanksgiving Dish: Grandmother's famous rolls made by my mom, loaded with butter, lots of butter. These are the most amazing melt in your mouth homemade rolls ever. I need to master making them myself.

Lowest Gas Price: $1.55 baby! Chevron on State and 90th South.

Most Ridiculous: Black Friday. I ran to the mall at 5:45 am for a deal on Aveda products. I was amazed at the crazies lined up around Target. Insanity I tell you. Go back to bed people.

Most Delicious Home Baked Treat: Tie between orange rolls and almond flavored sugar cookies. Both are long gone and I am still craving more, more, more. The orange rolls came from the Gardner Village bakery- they are delish. Go pick up a bag for yourself today.

Most Cheery: Christmas music!! I can't get enough of it!!! Except that 'Christmas Shoes' song is hanus and should be BANNED. It pretty much makes me want to shoot myself. But the rest of it is awesome and I am addicted.

Much Thanks

Thanksgiving is less than a week away...how perfect to have a holiday designated specifically to eating and being thankful for what we have. I love those that have been posting what they are thankful for each day...I wish I had jumped on this one earlier in the month.

Something Serious To Be Thankful For: Today I am thankful for an awesome day care that Noah loves- which means I love them too. He has a blast playing, crafting, and learning each day and I am grateful for the daily social interaction he has with other tots. It is adorable that they all know each other's names and team up together. His teachers are fantastic and take great care of him. I also love that it is close enough to home that I can walk or jog to pick him up which also teaches him about exercise and being healthy.

Something Fun To Be Thankful For: I am also thankful for finally giving into skinny jeans...I fought it hard but let's be honest, they look a million times better with boots than regular jeans, you know, the ones that leave that gap below the knees.

Sigh of relief

Today is Friday and I always love me a Friday. But today I am really in need. It has been one of those weeks and I might have some sort of a breakdown otherwise. Seriously.

I think the new 007 would be some great therapy. And maybe the Macy's sale too.

And did you see yesterday's post about the company who will remain nameless in today's post? If you blog about them by name- they receive an alert- then they check to see what people say behind their back. Yup, serious. And the kind sir even left me a comment. It was legit. Pretty crazy!

Ahhhh, did I mention it is a Friday!!

Let them eat cake

I have always had a sweet tooth and love anything made with loads of sugar. Lately I have been craving Nothing Bundt Cakes. I'm not usually a cake person but these are different. They are deliciously moist and and the cream cheese frosting is to die for. Plus the little flowers on top are adorable and make it the perfect creation. It is one of those treats that is better purchased than made at home and worth every over-priced penny. The shop is eye candy in itself decorated with pretty little gifts and lovely treats. Guess where I am headed today? Just not at 7:30 pm like last night since they were closed.

Two Bears

The big boy has been a little sad and grumpy lately. (Please see the pictures below.) He is working on his fourth and final two year molar. Teething sucks, for him and us.

"I want med-cine." He says- I love that he can at least tell us what he wants. And he wants the med-cine.

I told Noah the green bear below was given to me by Grandpapa when I was a little girl. Noah didn't like that and ripped the fluffy green bear out of my hands and said, "No it's Noah's bear. "

The Big Boy Smiles

Noah won't ever smile upon request. Sometimes he will say 'cheese' but always without looking at the camera. And sometimes he tells me 'all done' and to put away the camera. Well I finally have one. Yay! I guess he isn't always a mr. grumpy buns. We frequent the mall- me and my little shopping buddy pretty much weekly. And on our way out we always stop at the carousel. Finally a smile! PS the cinnamon almonds are out- go get some!

Cutest Cowboy I Ever Saw

Noah loved trick or treating this year. He happily marched from house to house begging for treats. He would repeatedly knock until the door was opened. One house he actually tried to let himself in- which happened to be at the same time they opened their door- Noah fell right into their house. It was pretty funny.

Happy Halloween!!

Fridays are always fun and today is so much better since it is Halloween. Some of us decided to dress up and I about died when Bryce, my now womanly coworker walked into the office. He is the ugly one with all the facial hair in the pictures. I feel dirty just looking at him. Though I must say he has great legs. Anyways, I am so excited for Noah's Halloween parade later today, trick or treating, and our Halloween party!

Happy Halloween!!

Frightmares

Last weekend my younger bro Ches was in town with his girlfriend Evelyn. We had such a fun time catching up and Evelyn is such a cool girl. Unfortunately she wasn't feeling well last Friday night and missed out on Frightmares with us. We had such a fun time.

I think my favorite part was my older brother's commentary while in waiting in line for the rides. He was totally cheeky the whole time. We were waiting for one of the 'scary' rides- you know the one with the horn in the middle... So this nice innocent gentleman gets into the car and you see his crutches poking out the top of the car. My cheeky brother in his mr. announcer voice told him that crutches were not allowed on the ride and he would need to remove them...I was laughing so hard I about peed my pants. You see this dude was missing a leg. Hence the crutches. Insert foot, and not into my mouth for once.

It was also pretty funny when Ches got a text from Evelyn who was at 'the lodge' aka my parents home with my dad and Jenny and my dad reminded Evelyn to wash her hands frequently so no one would get sick. We were all dying when we reveived that text message. Usually when I am sick I wipe my germs all over the place so everyone else gets what I have. HA!!!

Good times all around even if we didn't get some pancakes from IHOP afterwords. Thanks Grams for watching Noah...he had so much fun with you and LOVES his new umbrella!!

In line for the 'scary' ride with Rob.







Laura and Ches on the old white roller coaster




Chris and Candice in front, me and Rob in back



Rob has such a big head I was anticipating it getting stuck!



So silly my older bro is!



Awe, Ches and Evelyn.



Grams and Noah- I just can't belive how grown up Noah looks???!!!

Taggy, tag, tag

I've been tagged to post the fourth picture stored in my computer.

So here it is. April '06. LAX.



Here is the story... Rob and I spent a weekend in Cali for his brother's wedding then decided to fly to AZ to visit some friends who had moved to Phoenix before coming home. LAX was a total disaster and we ended up missing our flight then stranded there a good part of the day. Not good when you are pregnant, hormonal, and supposed to be poolside in AZ with a pina colada. So while killing time we were taking random stupid pictures, some of which includes footage of Rob doing push-ups on the floor. It was a bad situation turned slap happy. Luckily we made it to AZ and had a fabulous time with our friends- and we have never seen the inside of LAX since. We have boycotted it for life.

I tag Gabe, Keli, both Amy's, and both Heathers!

Bye bye!

My 401k is taking the biggest tank. Seriously it is dumping. I actually dared to log in yesterday to check it out...I am not looking today. I don't even want to know. Ignorance is bliss. Good thing I'm not 60 and need to cash out anytime soon.

The new moi

I have been wanting to do something for a long time but haven't been quite ready. Not that I didn't have the guts for it, I just wasn't ready. Last weekend it was time. I chopped off all my hair. That's right, 10 inches gone. I am loving it and feel strangely liberated. I am loving it and have no regrets. I actually feel not older, but more grown up. And having a 'style' again is fun- though I am still figuring out how to do it. After all it has been a good 10 years since my hair was this short. I must say it is fun to use all my old favorite styling products again. Now that I am adjusted I may even go a little sassier and shorter. I prefer the more edgy less mom-ly look.

Front

Back

It's a miracle...

Yes, I know it is truly amazing that this is a new post. Finally. What can I say, I have been busy and haven't had time to report about about the crazy and not so crazy recent events.

Like for example last week Noah completely flipped out in the middle of the night because of a bad dream. Something about a bear, his feet, and wanting nothing to do with being under the covers. Then there was screaming on and off for three hours. It was ridiculous. We later discovered the day before he learned the 'Going On A Bear Hunt' song. He is still apprehensive about going to bed and thinks his feet are going to be attacked. Tucking him in with a flashlight and shoes/socks on doesn't help.

Then there was the facial at the day spa where my European esthetician told me how clogged my pores were (did you know sunscreen clogs them?), that I needed to use an eye cream everyday for my premature crows feet, and I think she got mad at something else but I forget what. Europeans are so blunt. They would tell you anything. Including something hanus right to your face. If I didn't know better it would have really upset me. I think she will be happy with my progress on our next go around. I picked up some awesome new products to use which I love, love, LOVE. And I am thinking Botox might be a nice thing to investigate...

Then there was the weekend I felt sooo incredibly mormon and homely as I put up a several quarts of peaches and loads of jam clad in my church dress and apron. Yup I really did. I felt so productive using my resources. And I am excited to do applesauce. Delish!

Just a few little thoughts...will try to do better.

September 11th

It was seven years ago and I still have a hard time thinking about what happened without the same feelings of fear, sorrow, and anxiety. Like so many others I was on my way to work when I heard about it on the radio. At first I thought it was a joke; it was just too hard to comprehend. How could something like this happen? Who could so such a monstrous thing? Once I arrived at the office the tv was already blaring the news coverage. We all huddled around the tv glued to it the entire morning. Like so many others we couldn't concentrate or even think about working. We shut everything down and went home.

I remember continuing to watch the same stories and footage for days. It was devastating and graphic but nearly impossible to focus on anything else. The wound has healed but there is still a huge scar.

This morning on my way to drop Noah off at daycare I decided to take a small detour and drive around 'the healing field' so we could see the flags. It was such a beautiful morning with the crispness in the air and the sun peeking over our mountains. The flags flew gloriously, all 1776 of them. There is a very special solemn and sacred feeling even in just driving by. I hope to continue to see flags throughout the journey of my day as a little reminder of what we have and what we have been through.

So Domestic

I consider myself a pretty good homemaker and wifey. (And I totally hate this word. Does anyone else find it particularly obnoxious? )

I love to have a clean house and especially love organized closets, cupboards, and drawers. Not that they are always that perfect; but when they are I am so excited about it. There is something amazing about walking into my closet and seeing all my tops folded in neat little stacks and having my handbags lined up and displayed according to size. I don't even mind staying up late on a Thursday night cleaning so we can enjoy the weekend. My feet always feel so good when I walk on fluffy vacuumed carpet and I love the sparkle and sheen on my zesty lemon fresh tile floors. I also enjoy cooking and especially baking. There is something amazing about making a delicious batch of homemade goodness.

Well last night I added a new dimension to my domesticity. I. Made. Homemade. Peach. Jam. Yes, I did, and it was amazing. I actually went to my friend Windy's house and we peeled and chatted away as we bottled sweet goodness. I've ordered more peaches and this weekend will make more jam and maybe will even bottle a few jars. I have never felt so domestic. How about you?

Dear Community Solutions and Sales and the HOA Committee,

I agreed to volunteer my time, free of charge to take care of the pool this summer with the condition that the pool would remain open until the weather wouldn't permit. I am completely irate that the pool is closing today. Have you stepped outside today? The forecast shows 80's all week long. I do believe it is more than warm enough to take a freaking dip in the pool. I am also disappointed I wasn't consulted in the closing date. I believe I have actually saved the HOA approximately $1500. This amount is more than adequate to cover the extra costs of heating the pool for a few extra weeks. Please note I will not volunteer my time next year since you totally screwed me over this year. I also think it would also be more than fair my homeowners fees be credited for the remainder of the year. You guys suck.

Thanks for nothing,

Laura

I thought it was just me

but it isn't.

I'm not the only one that thinks there is a resemblance between Sarah Palin and Tina Fey. In my google search to jack images of the net I discovered I am not alone.

Not that they are twins or anything- but I can just see some great spoofs coming to a Saturday Night near me.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Last week we reconnected with one of Rob's college friends on Facebook. He just moved back to Utah. Another subject but don't you love how you can find all these old friends? Genius I tell you. Anywho it had been forever since we have last seen him. Like years. I think 8 to be specific. This guy is 31, still single, and 24 carat. And in Mormon years that's like freakin 60. We felt it our duty to help a guy out.

So we hit up a delish little sushi place and invited Rob's cute and also single cousin, Amy. We think they would be a perfect match- especially on paper. She loves soccer. He owns a soccer club and coaches. She is hot stuff. So is he. They are both from SoCal and have that vibe. You know- the one where they look like the same style and that they would just connect.

Maybe it will turn into something? Maybe not. Would be cool but who knows. So far Rob's matchmaking skills have scored him one for two. That's one marriage and one called off engagement (sorry about that- you know who you are).

Have you ever hooked anyone up?

I need a do over

So our girls' night was a little odd. Okay really odd. I still had a lot of fun and was glad I went...but it was kinda nice to get home, actually really nice.

One friend had a crazy allergic reaction to a bug bite and she puffed up. Like crazy. It was just like Hitch- but it was on her hand and the back of her neck instead of on her face. We didn't know what it was at first and thought it was a mussle issue. So we iced it. Bad idea. It made it worse and spread.

Then another friend left our Park City condo at midnight to go home because we will just say her husband isn't supportive of girls' nights. Or any other activity away from him for that matter. It isn't really my story to blog about. I love this friend- she is so awesome and I hope that she will follow through and make some changes. She doesn't deserve the drama. How long and far do you go before you say- that's it!?!

Then another friend busted out the Ensign and read us an article before bed. Yeah totally serious. Don't get me wrong; I consider myself very spiritual but, what? Did that really happen? Oh yes it did. I don't usually schedule in devotional time at girls night.

Have you had any girls nights gone wrong?

Anyone want to go play? I think I need to plan a carefree/drama free GIRLS NIGHT!

Ladies Night

I love girls nights and I love Park City. What do you do when you combine them? A total blast. A few of us girls from work decided to have a little retreat tonight. Let the shopping, eating, movie going, and hot tubbing begin.

I swear going out with the girls makes me a better mommy and wifey. It is so nice to go out and play then I love coming home to my cute boys. Man that would suck if my hub were one of those controlling types.

Part 2

So I don't hate fall- I really do love it. Love the sweaters, love the hoodies, love the comfort food, love turning on the fireplace, love the leaves, ect. I am just not ready.

But the thought of new fall tv sounds makes me super happy.

What shows are you excited for?

What the...

I don't think I can handle this yet.

• Kids lined up for the school bus
• The chill in the air I felt in Park City yesterday
• Dark night sky at 9:00 pm
• The thought of putting Noah in a jacket in the morning
• While poolside Saturday I didn't have to cool off in the pool

This sucks. I can feel my SADD already starting to kick in.

Are you ready for fall?

Nine Years!!

Happy Anniversary to me (and to my hub too). I can't believe we have been married for NINE years. It has flown by. So fast. We have so much fun together and have a million awesome memories and experiences we have shared together. (Ah so sweet!) Rob and I always talk about how glad we are to be married to each other- and it is so true, I would never want to be married to anyone else. I am so lucky to have my cute hub who is so good to me and is the best daddy in the world! Love you babe.

Boating Anyone?

Last Friday we had a mandatory team (with my work) waterski event at Pineview Reservoir. It sounds really rough I know- forced to have fun, ride in a boat, jet ski, waterski, swim, and eat a delish picnic lunch. We went to Pineview Reservoir. I forgot how pretty it is up there. So I think I need to go buy a boat. Anyone interested in waterskiing with me every weekend?

Family Palooza-Fest

Last weekend was so CRAZY. I am still recovering. Seriously. It started on Thursday and ended on Monday night. My little bro came in from NYC, my little sis and niece came in from Virginia via Sun Valley with my parents and older sis, another niece from Lehi, and my in-laws came in from So Cal. Chateau Hopkins held my in-laws the weekend prior and my sis Friday night. Luckily my parents house or the 'lodge' was finished enough to hold everyone else. (Pictures will follow of the 'lodge'- it is amazing!)

We seriously did it all.

Two trips to Park City one including dinner with the in-laws at that fab Italian restaurant at Red Stone. The other included shopping with my bro. A cook out in Brighton at our favorite family camp site we claimed when I was a little kid. We didn't get to hike or play kick the can but devoured the roasted marshmallows and hiked to 'the rock'. Delish lasagna dinner at grandmas in her gorgeous English garden. Two girls' breakfasts- Ruth's with the Perris and Mimi's with the Perschon cousins (we missed you Mindy). It was so fun to catch up and of course you can't beat breakfast! Two movies- What Happens In Vegas with Gabe since she hadn't seen it and Step Brothers with Ches. Totally inappropriate, crude, and no real plot. That said it was hilarious and had some super funny parts. I laughed a ton. Lots of games at the 'lodge' with my siblings and niece. Swimming- because what is summer without hitting up the pool for some fun in the sun. There were also a few lunches, shopping, and trips to the airport.

Thanks everyone for coming to visit...we had the best time!

Here's to being 2

I love you little man!

My baby is turning two

I am so excited but I have to admit it makes me a little sad all at the same time. How quickly time goes. My little man is getting so big. The memory of being pregnant is still so fresh in my mind. I loved every single second- it was all so amazing. Now he is two. I can't believe what a cute little doodlebug I have. I love being a mommy- it is the best thing in the whole world.

Three days old

One month old

Three months old

3 months old- I miss nap time with the little man

5 months old

8 months old

One year

Hope you have a festive

Pioneer Day. I love being able to celebrate our independence as a country and to also pay tribute to our pioneer heritage each July. I can't even begin to imagine how crazy it would have been to cross the plains as a wife and mother. We have it so good. I think we too often forget. We have an abundance of every luxury at our disposal. All the time.


Today I was able to 'work from home' but Rob had to go into the office- so Noah and I decided to do something special together. We went to the Zoo . It was fun to see all the animals we so often talk about in our daily reading and conversations. We had a blast together!

Noah looking at the white alligator.


While riding the train Noah gave me a quick 'cheese'.

Movie Review Wednesday and other thoughts

Saturday Rob and I went to see Dark Knight. It was amazing and we both loved it as much as Batman Begins. The stunts were cool and we were so impressed they didn't use CG. The semi flip was da bomb. I LOVE going to the movies.

But did you know I get really really really annoyed with crying babies who don't belong at the movies in the first place, jerks kicking my seat, inconsiderate people rustling their candy wrappers, etc. It really distracts me and I apparently have ears like a hawk.

So that being said the Dark Knight was all good except for the freaks sitting in front of us. I knew it was trouble when we sat down in our assigned seats- enter wheel chair lady, rat's nest lady, Jose, and Jose junior. Rat's nest lady had this huge mess of hair smack dab on top of her head which blocked a portion of the screen. And did I mention that rat's nest lady, Jose, and Jose junior were sharing two seats? Yup totally serious. Then wheel chair lady was sitting next to them, who totally stunk by the way. And she kept stretching, raising her arms in the air. Peee yewwww. I probably sound like a jerk picking on some hygienically challenged handicapped lady but she had no manners or hygiene and now I will probably sound racist because they wouldn't shut up. The whole time as they were yacking away in Spanish. Seriously it was non stop! What the hell? At first I thought they were translating, but after closer observation it was definitely a conversation. Plus they kept getting up and leaving multiple times. I wished I had popcorn to throw at them because my Shhhh didn't work. Finally they simmered down two thirds of the way into the movie. Rat's nest lady and Jose were all over each other. I think they thought they were at a different kind of movie or something. Anyway I am getting all worked up reliving the situation. Time to change the subject. Next movie.

Monday night I went to see Mamma Mia with about a dozen ladies from my neighborhood. We had a great time and all liked the movie. I think the estrogen created a happy fun ABBAlicious mood which helped make the movie extra cute. I don't think I would have liked it as much if I had been there with Rob for a date night. And I know Rob would have left being so pissed he was coerced into going. Then I'd have to make it up to him if you know what I mean. Sheesh that sounds suggestive. I'm talking about an extra long bike ride- you know a night off so to speak. So I guess don't take your man unless he has more estrogen than testosterone- go with your girlfriends.

Happy Friday

Mandatory work meeting- breakfast at Ruth's Diner. Love this place!

Mmm I can smell the mile high biscuits and fresh homemade raspberry jam right now.

I couldn't find a generic pic of the patio- but found this pic from last summer with my sis, cute niece Lottie, and grandma. Even better.

I survived

I have a serious issue with Mondays. I hate them. And I think they suck. Period. It's kind of like SAD- seasonal affective disorder; but with Mondays. I guess that would be MAD.

Nothing went wrong today- in fact it was a great day, work had some super funny moments, I had a delish lunch with my work friend, a great run with my jogging buddy (Noah), and am about to go lounge on the sofa for the rest of the night. I guess I just don't like letting go of the weekend. Sigh.

Maybe on Mondays I need to start obsessing about the upcoming weekend.

Okay, so Dark Knight is scheduled for Saturday and I have my fave seats reserved. I love Jordan Commons. So much.

Anywho do you hate Mondays too? Do you suffer from chronic MAD? Or is it just me?

Rant over. The end.

Don't dis it til you try it.

The other day my Blackberry alerted me that I had a new email. It was an invite for an exclusive 'off-site team event/discussion' and to bring my meeting materials. Hmm.

Could be interesting. I accepted. Turns out it was for a friendly game of golf.

My co-workers used to go all the time but I was never down with going. If I was going to screw off I would rather do something more exciting than golf- like sit at my desk and pick at my split ends.

I ate my words.

A fabulous time was had by all, even me. Maybe the carts, beverages, and awesome company had something to do with it. Yup. Cause I am the first to admit my game, vocab, and golf-look could all use some work. Pink golf shoes anyone? Cute little skirt- or is that tennis? Who cares, would still be cute.

I love my co-workers...we always have the best time together. Maybe we can make this a weekly occurrence?

Side note: Keli you would have been so proud cause I know you dig golf. Maybe I will sign up for the Stake golf tourney- oh wait, that's right, I almost forgot, they only let the men play. Plus I think they already had it, maybe next year? Watch out you discriminating men!

Not what we thought, but just as good.

We were supposed to enjoy the 4th of July in Sun Valley, Idaho this year. It has kind of become our summer tradition. Delish food, the Rodeo (yes I said rodeo), hikes, bikes, antiques fair, and all Ketchum has to offer.

But this year we had a change of plans.

My poor mom was bucked off her horse and broke four yes four ribs and this isn't counting the bone spurs. Long story short my parents came down here instead- and I think my mom is looking much better, though the full recovery will be a while longer. (Hopefully she can take it easy and not have a knitting accident or something.)

The change of plans turned out to be a-okay.

We had a great weekend and were able to still do some of our fave things. Swimming, bbq, fireworks (Noah loved them and now asks about 'boom boom' all the time), a day in Park City, hike to the reservoir, shopping, and yet more great food.

I had a wonderful weekend and especially loved spending time with my two fave boys.

Happy Monday

Just in case anyone has forgotten this is a short work week with the 4th of July.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, watermelon, fireworks, swimming, gingham tablecloths, etc.

Yay! I can't wait! It will be a good week. 4th of July has got to be one of the best holidays!

Mint Julep

Last week I told a couple of my work friends about my mom's delish mint drink recipe because they ordered Thai iced teas (made with mint) and love that flavor. Turns out my friend has a spearmint farm growing in her yard so she brought me in a big shopping bag full of mint so I could whip up said famous drink. It is so refreshing and delish in the summer time. We mix ours with Gingerale, Sprite, or lemonade- sans bourbon, but I am sure you could add that in if you like. Below is the recipe and it makes a grundle so be sure to cut the recipe down or be sure to share with your most beloved friends.



Mint Julep
4 cups water
4 cups sugar
5 1/3 cups lemon juice
1 Quart tightly packed spearmint
Green food coloring

Boil water and sugar until the sugar melts. Stir in lemon juice then add the mint leaves. Cover and let sit in fridge overnight. Strain leaves from syrup and add a few drops of green food coloring. Store in fridge or freezer. Mix with ice and Gingerale, Sprite, or lemonade. Perfect for summer parties!

I have to confess

I admit it. I am a magazine junkie. They are everywhere. On the kitchen counter, all over the family room, in the bathrooms (courtesy of Rob- please note I like to get in and out), in my nightstand, in the pool bag, etc... They are everywhere. On the bright side I do throw out the oldies. I don't understand the point of saving outdated info in a huge basket when my mailman constantly refreshes my collection. Here is what I get:

• Travel and Leisure
• Shape
• Fitness
• US Weekly
• In Touch
• Ensign
• Mtn. Bikers Edge (Rob)
• Elle Decor
• Doesn't really count- but then there are always the catalogs, you know the ones. Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, West Elm, Victoria's Secret, etc.

On another note I had a fab birthday. I think the 30's are great, maybe I can save that for another post. Anywho it was fun to celebrate all weekend long- Friday lunch, cake, and decorations with work friends, Saturday date night seeing Zohan with my cute Rob, Sunday a relaxing pool day, delish dinner with my boys and cute Grandma, and a walk aroundish Silver Lake (didn't make it all the way around but did see a car on fire- as in with flames), then Monday ended it with a yummy dinner with great friends The Gilletts and the Claytons (thanks Sean and Keli for a yummy dinner). I love birthdays! Thanks for all the birthday wishes, cards, and gifts. My friends and family rock!

Happy Summer Solstice- The best time of the year!!

Noah and Daddy at the beach- Noah was unsure about having his feet dirty

Noah and BFF Ryan playing in their sand holes, they were too busy to look up and smile

So fun to play in the sand turtle

I mean really exciting to play in the sand turtle, especially when water is involved

4 Wheeler- Noah couldn't stop giggling (note to self: buy this for Noah's birthday)

Aloha! Today we are celebrating my b-day at work since it is on Sunday. Cant wait for lunch at Gateway (shopping) and Thaifoon!