*Apron supplied by Bella Style. Available at etsy.com.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Ready for Fall
I decorated the niche in my entryway with some fall accents. I am really happy with how it turned out. That niche has been so hard to decorate. It remained empty for months. Sometimes when Mini Me was looking particularly cute, I would put her up there and take her picture. We have lived in this house for almost two years and I am finally starting to get the hang of how to fill the niche. I like Christmastime because I put a mini tree in there and decorate it will small picture frames filled with photos of family and friends. But after the tree comes down, I'm at a loss as to what to do with this hole in the wall next. Now that I am at peace again with the niche, it's time for me to change out the green spring/summer curtains in the living room for something more seasonally appropriate. I am thinking a darker green with heavier fabric. Maybe I will go wild and hang rich, dark teal velvet drapes from Anthropologie. Ooohh, that might be interesting. Friday, August 24, 2007
Good Mail Girls; The Resurgence
re·sur·gence (rĭ-sûr'jəns) noun
1. A continuing after interruption; a renewal.
2. A restoration to use, acceptance, activity, or vigor; a revival.
Many of you Good Mail Girls out there may be feeling like me lately. I would love to get out some Good Mail, but I just haven't had the time. Consequently feelings of pressure or guilt have ensued. I don't want to feel that way. I don't want anyone else to feel that way. Good Mail is about fun and thoughtfulness. Remember our mantra? No rules, no quotas, just thoughtfulness through the mail.
Now that all the summer partays are over and my three kids are back in school all day, I am able to catch up on some of the things that I do just for me. Good Mail is one of them. I love to give and I love to receive. My mailbox has been feeling a little lonely lately. That is an indicator to me that if I want to get, I better get to givin'.
Here are some ideas to get you into the spirit of resurgence for Good Mail.
1. I love postcards! The bloggers that visited me last weekend can attest to the bulletin board on my desk that holds some of my most recently received postcards. I want to know where you have been this summer. I want to know where you live and what is special about it. I am sure others do too. Send out a postcard.
2. I have attended 3 stampin'/card makin'/scrapbookin' type parties this summer. I am going to share some of the cards and techniques that I have learned with the Good Mail Girls. Have you done any paper crafts this summer that you would like to share?
3. Fall is rapidly approaching, with it comes cooler weather. I love me a pot of cheesy potato soup. It's the ultimate comfort food. I do not consider myself a cook, but I know that many of you are. How about sending out some of your favorite stew recipes?
Thoughtfulness begets thoughtfulness. I hope that your mailbox will soon see a resurgence of Good Mail. Thanks to all who participate. If you aren't a part of a Good Mail group and you would like to be, check my sidebar for the links to a few ladies who currently have Good Mail groups going. See ya at the post office!
1. A continuing after interruption; a renewal.
2. A restoration to use, acceptance, activity, or vigor; a revival.
Many of you Good Mail Girls out there may be feeling like me lately. I would love to get out some Good Mail, but I just haven't had the time. Consequently feelings of pressure or guilt have ensued. I don't want to feel that way. I don't want anyone else to feel that way. Good Mail is about fun and thoughtfulness. Remember our mantra? No rules, no quotas, just thoughtfulness through the mail.
Now that all the summer partays are over and my three kids are back in school all day, I am able to catch up on some of the things that I do just for me. Good Mail is one of them. I love to give and I love to receive. My mailbox has been feeling a little lonely lately. That is an indicator to me that if I want to get, I better get to givin'.
Here are some ideas to get you into the spirit of resurgence for Good Mail.
1. I love postcards! The bloggers that visited me last weekend can attest to the bulletin board on my desk that holds some of my most recently received postcards. I want to know where you have been this summer. I want to know where you live and what is special about it. I am sure others do too. Send out a postcard.
2. I have attended 3 stampin'/card makin'/scrapbookin' type parties this summer. I am going to share some of the cards and techniques that I have learned with the Good Mail Girls. Have you done any paper crafts this summer that you would like to share?
3. Fall is rapidly approaching, with it comes cooler weather. I love me a pot of cheesy potato soup. It's the ultimate comfort food. I do not consider myself a cook, but I know that many of you are. How about sending out some of your favorite stew recipes?
Thoughtfulness begets thoughtfulness. I hope that your mailbox will soon see a resurgence of Good Mail. Thanks to all who participate. If you aren't a part of a Good Mail group and you would like to be, check my sidebar for the links to a few ladies who currently have Good Mail groups going. See ya at the post office!
Good Mail Tip: Don't hide inside your mailbox.
Sorry about that. Here this will make you feel warm and fuzzy. I promise.
Sorry about that. Here this will make you feel warm and fuzzy. I promise.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Be nice to strangers...
...they might be the one's cleaning, cooking, and singing at your funeral.
I accepted the assignment to clean the church building and sing for a funeral today. At first I thought, "Why me? I don't know these people." Then I realized that, of course, it has to be people who aren't involved with the grieving family. I know that the morning of my grandma's funeral I would not have wanted to be down at the church cleaning toilets.
Speaking of cleaning toilets, I learned something about the male species that I thought was just particular to my own home, but now I know it's true across the board. Males don't flush toilets or wash their hands! I cleaned 3 mens bathrooms today. After entering one bathroom I was bowled over by the smell of old urine. You know the smell. I covered my nose with my t-shirt and went in for the flush. I propped the bathroom door open to let it air out for a few minutes before I commenced cleaning. I don't know why I was surprised to see that the sink and faucet were completely dry and shiney as if they have never been touched. My OCD has taken a few dramatic leaps forward. I never want to shake hands at church again!
Speaking of OCD, now that I am home I am going to scrub myself with ammonia and SOS pads. I can tolerate my own families cooties, but not other peoples....no way.
Speaking of my own family, I welcome the opportunity to sing at a strangers funeral. (Carrot is rolling her eyes, probably thinking my voice can wake the dead. She heard me sing in the car this past weekend. Trust me, Carrot, I do much better with a piano.) I hope that some kind stranger will return the favor someday. As much as I love my family, I don't think I could compose myself long enough to sing at their funeral.
Speaking of singing, I bet you are wondering what song I will be performing. I am singing a duet with another lady. She is an alto and I am a soprano. We are singing, "'I Need Thee Hour."
Speaking of the hour, I gotta hop in the tub before I am late.
I accepted the assignment to clean the church building and sing for a funeral today. At first I thought, "Why me? I don't know these people." Then I realized that, of course, it has to be people who aren't involved with the grieving family. I know that the morning of my grandma's funeral I would not have wanted to be down at the church cleaning toilets.
Speaking of cleaning toilets, I learned something about the male species that I thought was just particular to my own home, but now I know it's true across the board. Males don't flush toilets or wash their hands! I cleaned 3 mens bathrooms today. After entering one bathroom I was bowled over by the smell of old urine. You know the smell. I covered my nose with my t-shirt and went in for the flush. I propped the bathroom door open to let it air out for a few minutes before I commenced cleaning. I don't know why I was surprised to see that the sink and faucet were completely dry and shiney as if they have never been touched. My OCD has taken a few dramatic leaps forward. I never want to shake hands at church again!
Speaking of OCD, now that I am home I am going to scrub myself with ammonia and SOS pads. I can tolerate my own families cooties, but not other peoples....no way.
Speaking of my own family, I welcome the opportunity to sing at a strangers funeral. (Carrot is rolling her eyes, probably thinking my voice can wake the dead. She heard me sing in the car this past weekend. Trust me, Carrot, I do much better with a piano.) I hope that some kind stranger will return the favor someday. As much as I love my family, I don't think I could compose myself long enough to sing at their funeral.
Speaking of singing, I bet you are wondering what song I will be performing. I am singing a duet with another lady. She is an alto and I am a soprano. We are singing, "'I Need Thee Hour."
Speaking of the hour, I gotta hop in the tub before I am late.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Bloggers Converge on Colorado
What a wonderful, whirlwind weekend we had. Between the bloggy lunch in Denver, the over-nighters in Glenwood Springs, and the BBQ at Casa de Payne, we had a total of 14 bloggers attend. We have agreed, secret handshakes have been exchanged, and contracts have been signed that "Whatever happens in Colorado, stays in Colorado," but there are some tidbits about this weekend I am willing to divulge.
Tupac's memory is alive and well on this fine womans leg.
Natalie Portman guides tours of caves when she is not making movies.
I like "big bolts" and I cannot lie.
I live in Vacation Land, USA! I love living in Colorado.
Carrot Jello sings like an angel.
When bloggers get together it's like Christmas! Presents for everyone!
What is better than seeing one woman in daisy dukes, a hot pink tank top and clear plastic stillettos? Seeing two women in daisy dukes, a hot pink tank top and clear plastic stilletoes!
Every party is better with a deep fryer.
No Cool Story is the queen of Apples to Apples!
God loves bloggers.
Tupac's memory is alive and well on this fine womans leg.
Natalie Portman guides tours of caves when she is not making movies.
I like "big bolts" and I cannot lie.
I live in Vacation Land, USA! I love living in Colorado.
Carrot Jello sings like an angel.
When bloggers get together it's like Christmas! Presents for everyone!
What is better than seeing one woman in daisy dukes, a hot pink tank top and clear plastic stillettos? Seeing two women in daisy dukes, a hot pink tank top and clear plastic stilletoes!
Every party is better with a deep fryer.
No Cool Story is the queen of Apples to Apples!
God loves bloggers.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
100 Reasons to ♥ blogging!
1. When you are feeling remorseful about your new hair-do, your blogging peeps will tell you it looks great anyway. (I love my stylist. She expertly achieved exactly what I asked her to do. It's not her, it's me. I do like it. Maybe I wasn't quite ready to change my look.)
Your turn.
Your turn.
Monday, August 13, 2007
"...and her strength went from her."
Do you remember the story from the Old Testament about Samson and Delilah? Remember he was ultra strong because of his long hair. Then he met up with the harlot, Delilah. She "pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death" to get get him to tell her the secret of his strength. When he divulged his secret, Dirty Delilah betrayed him to her people, the Philistines. He lost his strength, he was captured, and they put out his eyes. Chained to the pillars of a Philistines house, he asked for strength from God one more time. He pulled the house in on top of himself and 3000 Philistines.
I am feeling a little like Samson. I have betrayed my "signature look" to go back to my roots and in doing so, I feel like I have lost my strength.
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I'd be crazy not to be excited for school to start. Right?
Do you know what the number one question moms are asking each other right now? If your answer is, “Are you excited for school to start?” You’d get an A!
The most popular answer is a resounding, “Yes! I am counting the days!”
All the moms I know are already making plans for what they are going to do when the kids are back at school. Spend a day at the spa. Go back to college. Get a part time job. Turn cartwheels. Set of fireworks. What? You don’t set off fireworks? I guess I am alone on that one. I have been known to spin and leap my way across the playground after dropping off my kids on the first day of school. But, this year I feel significantly different. When the number one question is asked of me, I give the canned answer. I wouldn’t want to say no and start a riot or something. After all, I would be crazy not to look forward to my three kiddos going back to school, right? Well, call me crazy. We have had a wonderful summer that is coming to an end all too soon.
My kids are the perfect ages right now. My twin boys are eight and my daughter is six. They are old enough to feed and dress and bathe themselves, but they are still young enough to believe that I know it all. My boys aren’t too old to think they are too cool to play with their little sister and she is old enough to keep up with them. They have played so nice together this summer. I hate to see it come to an end. The end of the summer means the beginning of the school year. The beginning of a new school year means my kids are getting older. Heaven help me, I just want time to stop so I can take a breath before I miss something good.
One of my sons and I had a mommy/son date the other day. He is not too grown up to be embarrassed walking hand in hand through the mall with his mom. I told him I would buy him all the Pokemon cards he wanted if he would stop growing. Although tempted by the offer, he said he didn’t think that was possible.
A couple days later the sands of time stopped just for me. We came home from the pool and all three kids immediately went their separate ways in the house. One went to watch TV, the other to play Game Cube and the other to play on the computer. It wasn’t two minutes later when the electricity went out. The house became dead quiet. Three kids from three corners of the house in unison shouted,
“Mom, what happened?”
When I explained to them that the electricity went out, they said,
“Well, can we watch a DVD?”
“Nope.”
“Can we make some popcorn?”
“Nope.”
“Well, geez, what are we gonna do?”
They started to panic. Admittedly, I did too. So much of what we do everyday requires electricity. How was I supposed to entertain these kids without electricity? (My grandma would be ashamed of what I just said.)
Completely unconvinced that my offer would be accepted, I suggested,
“Hey, how about we read The Mouse and the Motorcycle now?”
“Mom, that’s for bedtime.”
“So, there’s no rule that says we can’t read it now.”
They agreed and we all cozied up together on the couch to read a book.
I got my wish. The hands on the clock stopped moving and I got to hold my three kids and relish in the peaceful, electricity free moment with no interruptions or distractions. That was until twenty-five minutes later when the power came back on. The buzz and blips of their video games lured them away from me and all too quickly they were off again.
What I thought was going to be the longest twenty-five minutes of my summer, turned out to be the very best.
The most popular answer is a resounding, “Yes! I am counting the days!”
All the moms I know are already making plans for what they are going to do when the kids are back at school. Spend a day at the spa. Go back to college. Get a part time job. Turn cartwheels. Set of fireworks. What? You don’t set off fireworks? I guess I am alone on that one. I have been known to spin and leap my way across the playground after dropping off my kids on the first day of school. But, this year I feel significantly different. When the number one question is asked of me, I give the canned answer. I wouldn’t want to say no and start a riot or something. After all, I would be crazy not to look forward to my three kiddos going back to school, right? Well, call me crazy. We have had a wonderful summer that is coming to an end all too soon.
My kids are the perfect ages right now. My twin boys are eight and my daughter is six. They are old enough to feed and dress and bathe themselves, but they are still young enough to believe that I know it all. My boys aren’t too old to think they are too cool to play with their little sister and she is old enough to keep up with them. They have played so nice together this summer. I hate to see it come to an end. The end of the summer means the beginning of the school year. The beginning of a new school year means my kids are getting older. Heaven help me, I just want time to stop so I can take a breath before I miss something good.
One of my sons and I had a mommy/son date the other day. He is not too grown up to be embarrassed walking hand in hand through the mall with his mom. I told him I would buy him all the Pokemon cards he wanted if he would stop growing. Although tempted by the offer, he said he didn’t think that was possible.
A couple days later the sands of time stopped just for me. We came home from the pool and all three kids immediately went their separate ways in the house. One went to watch TV, the other to play Game Cube and the other to play on the computer. It wasn’t two minutes later when the electricity went out. The house became dead quiet. Three kids from three corners of the house in unison shouted,
“Mom, what happened?”
When I explained to them that the electricity went out, they said,
“Well, can we watch a DVD?”
“Nope.”
“Can we make some popcorn?”
“Nope.”
“Well, geez, what are we gonna do?”
They started to panic. Admittedly, I did too. So much of what we do everyday requires electricity. How was I supposed to entertain these kids without electricity? (My grandma would be ashamed of what I just said.)
Completely unconvinced that my offer would be accepted, I suggested,
“Hey, how about we read The Mouse and the Motorcycle now?”
“Mom, that’s for bedtime.”
“So, there’s no rule that says we can’t read it now.”
They agreed and we all cozied up together on the couch to read a book.
I got my wish. The hands on the clock stopped moving and I got to hold my three kids and relish in the peaceful, electricity free moment with no interruptions or distractions. That was until twenty-five minutes later when the power came back on. The buzz and blips of their video games lured them away from me and all too quickly they were off again.
What I thought was going to be the longest twenty-five minutes of my summer, turned out to be the very best.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Equality Now!
This is Jessica Holmes. She is a comedic actress. We were missionary companions. Now I am a Triple M (Mom, Mortage, Mini-Van) and she is famous in Canada. I'll only say this once...okay maybe twice and I will repeat myself if someone didn't hear me the first two timmes. When we were together, I was the funny one.
P.S Dear Jessica, Why do your people keep sending my letters back? All I want is an 8 x 10 autographed glossy. How hard is that? Why are you being so selfish? Remember that time when we were in Venezuela and you were really hot and I let you use my fan? Huh? Huh? Remember that? I thought you did! I'm sorry, that came out really mean. Call me.
P.S Dear Jessica, Why do your people keep sending my letters back? All I want is an 8 x 10 autographed glossy. How hard is that? Why are you being so selfish? Remember that time when we were in Venezuela and you were really hot and I let you use my fan? Huh? Huh? Remember that? I thought you did! I'm sorry, that came out really mean. Call me.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
"Thank you, Sir. May I have another?"
The shame, rebuffs, and tomato throwing worked! My desk is clean. Thanks for putting up with some of the most boring posts in the blog world. i.e. My desk is dirty. My desk is clean. Although your motivation was enough, my mother-in-laws arrival tomorrow is really what got me going on cleaning off the top of my desk. Eyewitnesses can testify that as for the rest of my house, I keep it generally pretty orderly. It's my desk and my van that get out control sometimes. I guess because I spend a lot of time in both places. Have a great weekend y'all. Catch you on the other side! Whatever that means.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Infiltrated by Dan the Man
My sweet little girly blog has been infiltrated by a man. (Ewwww, man cooties! Man cooties!) Not just any man, but Dan the Man. He is a blog superstar with an obscene amount of comments to his credit. No link for him, he doesn't need it! What the heck is he doing around here? How in the world did he find his way over here? We don't have anything in common. I don't have a cat. I don't like backpacking and I don't post pictures of my can on my blog. I have seen that he has visited some of you too. Boy germs, boy germs!
P.S. I dont' really mind male readers, it's just that they are few and far between around these parts.
P.P.S Show a girl some love. Good Mail Girl and matriarch of one gorgeous family, Gretchen, gets some Cool Mommy points for designing mascot t-shirts for her kids school. Way to go Gretch!
Shame on me!
Shame on me for letting the top of my desk get this bad. I need a little social pressure to clean this up. Don't tell me it's okay. Don't tell me you love me anyway. Don't make excuses for me like I must be really busy. Shame me! Shun me! Take away my priviledges. This is just unacceptable.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Who is ready to partay, Colorado style?!
We have a couple of special guests coming to visit Carronin and I in August. I have been a fan of their blogs since the dawn of the blogosphere or at least for the past year. The Smiling Infidel herself, the Elasticwaistbandlady or "Lasti-kins" for those who are in the know and Carrot Jello of Oinkle Doinkle fame! I know, I know! We are so lucky. We thought it wouldn't be fair to hog them for ourselves so we are planning a couple of Meet and Greets for anyone who would like to come.
The first one will be in Denver on August 17th. We will be meeting for lunch at a place yet to be determined. Amber that Crazy Blogging Canuck suggested an outdoor cafe in Boulder in a gorgeous setting or a restaurant right in the heart of downtown Denver where all the action is. Are you a little bit country or a little bit rock and roll? Attendees at this point include, myself, Carronin, Amber, Aubrey, Elastic, and Carrot.
The second one is a BBQ here at Casa de Payne on August the 18th around the lunch hour, kind of thing. To give you a little orientation on where Fruita is at; it is 4 hours drive from Denver and 4 hours drive from Salt Lake.
We would love to see you all. We missed the last blog get together. Life just got in the way:(
I hope y'all will come for a "do-over" here in Colorado and yes, pictures with Mike the Headless Chicken will be taken after the BBQ. If you are ready to partay Colorado style, I will update you by e-mail with the details! Two woots! "Woot! Woot!"
"If you don't honk your own horn, no one else will."
This is something my mother would tell me. She taught me that it is okay to say nice things about myself. Of course there is room for humility and graciousness, but what woman do you know that just stops there. I think as women, we are all too quick to point out our own flaws, complain our bodies, and compare ourselves to others.
My mom also taught me that you teach people how to treat you. She let us know when we were acting like ingrates. To this day, I remember to show gratitude to my mom because she expects it and deserves it.
I have followed suit with my own family. My children have been my most recent recipients of this teaching. When they talk back or use a "tone" with me, I am sure to remind them,
"Listen kid, I am the the giver and taker of all that is good in your life right now. See that Gameboy in your hand? Do you like it? Do you remember who bought it for you? That's right, I did. Who reads you bed time stories? That's right. I do. Who makes your meals and washes your clothes? That's right. I do. I am a good mommy that does a lot of nice things for you. So when it comes time to feed the dog or empty the dishwasher, the only thing I want to hear from you is 'yes mom'. Do you got that? Great. I knew you would. You are a smart kid."
Sometimes these spoiled American kids don't know how good they've got and you need to spell it out for them. Don't be afraid to say, I am a good mommy.
I love the show, "Wife Swap". My kids and I watch it together. It gives my kids a chance to see how other families live and realize how good they've got it here in Casa de Payne.
So, in the spirit of honking my own horn and teaching people how to treat me, I thought I would post this, again! In case you missed it the first time. Have a great day mommies!
P.S. Chips Ahoy is also using 80's music to woo our generation to buy their dry and tasteless cookies. Franky says, 'relax'. Don't fall prey to this cheap tactic.
P.P.S. (Millie style) Pretty Sisters is an organization that believes in the advancement of women. Their official slogan is, "Dream, Believe, and Create."
My older sister's friends founded it. When she called and said I should be a part of it I said,"I already have a blog called Hot Fruita Mom's. I think I sound narcissitic enough without participating in a group called "Pretty Sisters"? She was nice enough to nominate me for a spotlight anyway.
My mom also taught me that you teach people how to treat you. She let us know when we were acting like ingrates. To this day, I remember to show gratitude to my mom because she expects it and deserves it.
I have followed suit with my own family. My children have been my most recent recipients of this teaching. When they talk back or use a "tone" with me, I am sure to remind them,
"Listen kid, I am the the giver and taker of all that is good in your life right now. See that Gameboy in your hand? Do you like it? Do you remember who bought it for you? That's right, I did. Who reads you bed time stories? That's right. I do. Who makes your meals and washes your clothes? That's right. I do. I am a good mommy that does a lot of nice things for you. So when it comes time to feed the dog or empty the dishwasher, the only thing I want to hear from you is 'yes mom'. Do you got that? Great. I knew you would. You are a smart kid."
Sometimes these spoiled American kids don't know how good they've got and you need to spell it out for them. Don't be afraid to say, I am a good mommy.
I love the show, "Wife Swap". My kids and I watch it together. It gives my kids a chance to see how other families live and realize how good they've got it here in Casa de Payne.
So, in the spirit of honking my own horn and teaching people how to treat me, I thought I would post this, again! In case you missed it the first time. Have a great day mommies!
P.S. Chips Ahoy is also using 80's music to woo our generation to buy their dry and tasteless cookies. Franky says, 'relax'. Don't fall prey to this cheap tactic.
P.P.S. (Millie style) Pretty Sisters is an organization that believes in the advancement of women. Their official slogan is, "Dream, Believe, and Create."
My older sister's friends founded it. When she called and said I should be a part of it I said,"I already have a blog called Hot Fruita Mom's. I think I sound narcissitic enough without participating in a group called "Pretty Sisters"? She was nice enough to nominate me for a spotlight anyway.
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