Ooh La La!

Check out our new family pic behind the blog title! It's been a couple of years since our family has had a picture taken. I'm so excited we got a few great shots from my brother, the awesome photographer. He took family pictures of us at Tony's grove when we went to Utah. The setting was beautiful. I just loved the hike and scenery. Thanks, Kyle, for the awesome shots!

Whirlwind...

... the perfect definition of our trip. That, and lack of sleep, lots of driving, insane amount of fast food. I never want to see a menu with the word 'combo' on it again! My last post was almost a week ago, so I'm sure some of you thought I died, especially because I didn't leave any quirky comments on your posts either. We had a great time with some of our friends catching up. I got to use my 'hush money' at Costa Vida with Katie, Cindi and chillins. We had a fun time at Chuck O' Rama with my family. Plus, I got free ice cream at the Aggie Creamery- thanks Heather & Jeremy!!! It seems that all my vacations are about food. Hmmm.... maybe that explains my physique... I have lots of pictures to share and a few stories. Here are the pictures:

Katie and Ellie at Costa Vida, helping me enjoy my surrender to the right to sue by spending my hush money.

Jim and Jessica right after coming out of the temple. Notice Grandma in the background, "if you touch my granddaughter, you're dead meat, boy!"

Look at those gorgeous bridesmaids! Especially that chunky one in the homemade black and green dress.

Awww... look at the bride and groom in typical Utah wedding pose- it's a good thing they're way hotter than your average bride and groom, or this would just be redundant.

Jim a Jessica, a picture into the future.


We only look excited and mischievous going for the flowers on the cake because we haven't tasted the gum paste calla lilies yet. The 'after' picture's faces are too hideous to publish on the world wide web.

A whole roll of plastic wrap was used to encase Jim & Jessica's car. Honeymoon? Only if they can cut through the mass of food safe protectant.

You know, raw bacon is one of the hardest mediums to write in.

Now for a story: Jimmy and I decided it would be the best thing to buy J&J's wedding gift when we got there for time and space reasons. I thought it was a good idea until I was in Walgreen's the night before the wedding. It was 7:29 pm and I had a pyrex dish filled with a boxed cake mix, measuring cups and electric timer ready to go. As I was standing in line, I thought, "I cannot buy a wedding gift at Walgreen's... this is just wrong... it's my brother's wedding... I could see buying something from Walgreen's for a mere acquaintance, but for my brother?... it's not like they don't need pyrex... everyone needs pyrex... and the gift is cute... you know, themed and all... but Walgreen's, for goodness sake?!?!" After this internal dialogue, I turned to Jimmy and said, "I refuse to buy a wedding gift here. Take me to the Gateway." We drove to the Gateway and ended up getting a beautiful serving platter and set of four cheese knives at Z Gallerie. I will never underestimate Jimmy's husbanding skills, judging by the way he literally ran through the outdoor shopping mall with me heading towards a home decor store. I even think the male cashier had a crush on him... gosh, I love my husband.

Hush Money

My family and I went to Costa Vida today for lunch. It was really great Americanized Mexican food. We were all seated around a table ready to eat, when I realized I hadn't filled up my drink at the soda fountain. Jimmy and I decided to go up together, when I slipped on a puddle of water and fell, with all my weight landing on the arm fat that swings when I wave. (I was next to a tall trash station and caught my arm on the edge). I was totally humiliated and started crying with real tears, which only added to the humiliation. I never cry in pain like that, so Jimmy knew it really hurt me. He helped me limp my embarrassed self over to the soda fountain and he went to tell management that they had a spill that needed mopping. That was even more embarrassing! The manager came over and asked if I was ok. I nodded through my tears. We went to go sit down at our seats and finish our great food. While I was diving into the next bite of mango salsa, the manager came up behind me and slipped an envelope under my plate. After he left, I opened the envelope. It had a $25 gift certificate in it-whoo hoo! My first response? "Somebody else go fall so we can all come here for dinner!" Then whispered to my mom, "You know this is only hush money, right?"

Have fun will travel...

We set off on our long lourney to Utah yesterday for my brother's wedding. The trip was sooo fun!!! My mom rented a minivan and we packed it full with all the essentials, including the best car food ever (thanks, mom). We all rotated on the driving. While I was driving, my mom was in the back seat entertaining Kaitlin. That was the best part of the whole trip. They rigged up a temporary stage by tying a blanket from one ceiling handle to the other. I almost drove off the road from laughing at the antics of Meemo and Kaitlin. When the curtain was up, Kaitlin would coach Meemo on how to introduce her. Whispering very seriously, "Meemo, this is what you say- now very loudly- 'Ladies and Gentlemen! Now presenting Kailtin Annabritt Graham, with 5 little speckled frogs!!!' Now, that's what you say, Meemo." Then, the two would go off with their singing and laughing and goofing off. The drive seemed so short. Time flies when you're havin' fun. At one rest stop, we went to Arctic circle- this is holy ground. I always get the halibut, onion rings and cherry coke. This place is holy ground because there's so much grease, it sends you to an early death. On the way out, we paused to look at a Hostess Snack display. I saw a Snowball (a chocolate cupcake, covered in marshmallow coated in pink coconut) for the first time. I have only seen those things in the movies, so it was a milestone for me. As we were circling the ample display, my mom shouted, "Look! They even have Croca- doodles!!!" Now, look at this picture and tell me if they're called Croca-doodles...

We laughed so hard that it warranted a picture and gratuitous razzing.

I know,

I know- 2 posts in one day. Yes, I really am that pathetic. I just wanted to tell you a funny story because my last couple of posts have been lacking in the humor department and that's kind of a downer for me, just like gravity. You see, I probably read my blog more than anyone else. I re-read every post and critique and edit and especially laugh. I think I'm so funny! I totally get my sense of humor. As I'm sure everyone thinks their brand of funny is awesome- in my case, I'm right. I know I typed that all shamelessly, but that's because most of you don't know where I live. Those of you that know where I live- you know I would pacify you with good food and would silence your attacks on this utterly arrogant post.

So, the reason why I keep a journal is to document my incredibly stupid moments (I fill one journal a year), and to take notes at conference. I will not bore you with my conference notes, but I will tell you a funny story from said journal.

Saturday, May 20, 2006
Dear Diary,
Today I met a boy and I wondered if he noticed me, he took my breath away.... Wait a second! That's not my diary! That's poor Britney Spears' attempt at writing lyrics to a song. I listen to that CD way too much. Here's the real entry- I drove down to Santa Cruz to go to a workshop with my mom and to teach a cooking class with her. Before the cooking class I had an opportunity to attend two classes presented by other teachers.
The first class offered was a book list review. The class was taught by a high school English teacher. She gave us a list of good books to read. I was super excited! I love reading and it's hard for my to find books I like. So, I did take home the list and got crack-a-lackin' by borrowing the first four at my local library. I would like to tell you all four books were fabulous, but I am not a liar- I only exaggerate. List went in the trash.
The next class I attended was a woodworking class. I got to make an incomplete set of coasters and break two power saws. Needless to say, the teacher did not give me an 'A'. But, I did learn a valuable lesson- use the doe eyes when you break a man's power tools. The batting eyelashes scare him.
For the last class, I helped my mom teach a cooking class. I was in charge of teaching how to make The Super Smoothie. This is a smoothie I make for my family that is packed with veggies as well as fruits. My little way of stickin' it to the man. I taught the class, passed out the smoothie, told a joke and ended up with smoothie dripping down my face. Note to self: never tell a joke to a drinking customer.
After the workshop, I drove home to my dear sweet husband. I don't know why he's dear and sweet, judging by what I did to him next. This is what I wrote in my journal:
I drove home tonight and talked to Jimmy on the cell phone. I hung up with him before I got home. Then, I called back when I was parked in front of our apartment- but he didn't know I was home yet. I was talking away (he thought I was still driving, when I was really quietly unlocking the front door!) I got into the apartment and scared him to death! Then we started laughing so hard. The look on his face was soo funny!
I feel bad for that poor boy. I cannot tell you how many times I've hidden in the dark waiting for the right moment to scare him. Or poured a cup of ice water on him in the shower. Or my favorite- put pillows in the covers when he's in the shower and then jump out from the closet when he thinks I'm sleeping peacefully in bed. He knew I was crazy when he married me- but it was exciting back then. Poor, poor boy...

i LUV to cook!

Last night I catered an awesome bridal shower.

Here's what I made:
blue cheese stuffed grapes topped with roasted walnuts
bacon and scallion stuffed cherry tomatoes
almond butter crisps with Humbodlt Fog goat cheese and fig jam
Thai spring rolls with peanut sauce
mini pulled bbq pork sandwiches with horseradish dijon aioli and caramelized onion jam
citrus salad with avocado and candied almonds
Are you drooling?

It was so fun and super classy. I wish I had pictures to show, but I assume that the descriptions helped a little. I had a great time with April (the hostess) and just reveled in the good food. I just love cooking for people. It brings me true joy.

Hallelujah!

So, I'm gonna go and git spiritual on y'all. Place your hands on your monitor and you shall be healed, my sister! Oops... a little sacrilegious, no? Anyways, today has been a day of one hardship after another. I think I've kept a pretty good humor about it. And then, demondog ran away. I'll explain. My mother-in-law has a very cute but fast chihuahua, Carlos. If the door is open. He will run away. Hence, the nickname, demondog. He runs to a different location every time he gets out. He RUNS... demondog...evil... spawn of, uh, sorry... back to the story. So, after a very long and tiring day after a short sleepless night, I go to pick up Kaitlin at my mother-in-law's house. As we are walking out, Carlos bolts. Argh!! We hop in the car to follow him, but by the time we get to the corner, he's nowhere to be found. I'm driving around to the many spots we've found him before, but to no avail. Now frustration sets up shop like a middle aged woman in a midnight line for Breaking Dawn. It's starting to get tense in the car when- Tah Dah! A teaching moment rears it's beautiful head. I pull over the car to start my mini miracle. "Kaitlin," I say, " let's say a prayer that we will find Carlos." So, I say a prayer that sounds more like a passive aggressive woman starting an argument with a 7 lb. animal (I was really mad!). Then dear, sweet Kaitlin says a prayer that was so gentle and sincere. After wiping my chin from my huge piece of humble pie, we set off on the hunt, er, search for that demon do...... I mean, Carlos. After about 12.5 seconds and two U-turns, Kaitlin yells, "There he is!!!" I am sure there are still skid marks where I pulled over and a nasty stain on the concrete where Carlos was standing- I really think I scared something out of him when he saw me. I picked up the little bugger and handed him to Kaitlin. Being in her arms on the way home is definitely a good penance for a misbehaving little furrball. Before we pulled back onto the road, a prayer of gratitude was uttered by each of us. What a perfect moment to teach Kaitlin about prayer! I am so grateful for the teaching moments we are presented everyday in our lives. As I was in the moment, I felt like I was teaching Kaitlin, but I was wrong. I was learning from her. I am blessed to have had an opportunity to be taught by my little girl in her sincerity. I hope that I don't miss the next chance I get to be taught be my loving Heavenly Father in a valuable teaching moment.

P.S. Just in case my day wasn't difficult enough, this is what I came home to. I will ask one question and answer one question. First, my question: What kind of teaching moment is this supposed to be? Next, to answer your question: yes, it is chicken spread all over my newly mopped floor. demondogs...

You know blogging has taken over your life when...

... your sister-in-law leaves this note on your keyboard:

p.s. it also doesn't help my cause that my 4 yr old has to leave a comment on my post to get any kind of attention.

she's baaack!

Well, after using a hammer a chisel to chip off the final layer of dirt, I have found the time in between loads of laundry to tell a few stories from girls' camp. If you are the type to be offended or woozy from displays of bodily functions, please read the next blog in your list. You will not like what you are about to read.

As one of my responsibilities at girls' camp, I had to wake the girls up in the morning. Despite not being a morning person, this was my favorite part of the day. I loved the way they tunneled out of their sleeping bags like little moles and would give my the most unique faces. It just made me laugh. One morning in particular, I was feeling in a very silly mood. At one tent, I unzipped the tent flap and poked my head in to awaken my little moles. One popped out and said, "Stephanie! I don't smell anymore!" I suppose she had lost her sense of smell... but who could miss the next opportunity that I just took. My response: I turned around, stuck my round rump in the tent and let 'er rip. Then I said, "You do now!" With my mission accomplished, I zipped the tent shut and walked away to the sound of squealing girls.

One morning, after I had made my rounds, I went to the bathroom to make a deposit (some say 'take a dump', 'drop a deuce', 'drop the kids off at the pool', ' see the browns at the Superbowl', 'the morning meeting' etc.). As I was sitting on the can noticing the insufficiency of the lock, a poor unsuspecting girl opened the door. Here's the picture she saw: an exhausted woman with a sweatshirt pulled over her head pulled tight so that the mouth and nose are the only remaining visible features on her face. After she screamed and slammed the door shut, all I could do was laugh. When I finished up my business I came out, looked at the girl and said, "You may not want to go in there." I turned to her friend and stated, "I'm a morning person..." then with a wink and point, "...if you know what I mean." I crack myself up.

Because I was so busy during the day, I was hard pressed for time for personal grooming. One day, I didn't have time to take a shower. Let me tell you- by the end of the day, I was rank. I kept telling my tent mate how bad I smelled. "It's like something went under my arms and died!" I would say. She did not believe me. She only stated that it was normal to smell a little at camp. Well, while I was changing that night, I lifted my arms to take of my sweatshirt. She screamed from across the tent, "Stop farting!" I responded, "I told you I smelled- I just lifted my arms!" We fell into a fit of laughter and I went to take a shower.

I have countless other stories to tell, but I'm afraid people have been grossed out enough. I did have a good time and experienced true joy. I was able to bear my testimony in more ways than I thought imaginable. I experienced trials and triumphs. It was a great week.

I'm outta here!

I am leaving tomorrow for Girls' Camp. I am wicked excited! I love having a reason to wear ridiculous clothing, sing ridiculous songs, and eat ridiculously good food. I hope that the trip up there is not as, uh.... eventful... as a couple of years ago.
Here, I'll set the stage: Our family has always had a habit of having at least one, if not two, cars that are- well, pieces of poo on wheels. Funny you should mention poo, I have a story for you about our Blue Poo. (We name all our cars. Right now, our little black PT Cruiser is named Giuseppe. You know, because it looks like an Italian gangster car from the 30's) Blue Poo is the blue caravan we had two years ago. When we bought it, Kaitlin was a baby, so I was blinded by the built-in car seats. Note: Built in does not equal safe. This car had been in our possession for about 1 1/2 years when I decided to take it to Girls' Camp. The faulty driver side door and funny noises made while driving should have been a premonition. In the parking lot where everyone met before the trek to camp, I left a puddle of antifreeze. At the time, I thought someone had spilt Gatorade (I can only fill up a gas tank and check the oil- don't ask any more of me, please.) Off I go with an unsuspecting, cell phone-less traveler. We're doing well, singing to Vanilla Ice and eating sunflower seeds, when there's a traffic jam. Going up hill. In the extreme heat. In my piece of blue poo. I seriously thought the car was going to die on the way up that hill. It did. But, I was able to start it again and crest the hill. Smooth sailing...for 30 feet! Then car dies again as we're coasting down the hill. Car dies= no power brakes= Stephanie tries to stop= almost hit car ahead of us= put car in park= serious whiplash as car jerks to a stop. Now, my poor passenger is regretting being bribed into my car by early 90's rap. That's ok! we'll call for help! Wait a second... passenger has no cell phone... I have no cell phone... fantastic. You know what, that's alright. We came in a group, surely people will recognize us and stop to help. Surely, people did not. They recognized us but thought we were taking a break in the middle of a highway in the scorching heat. So, what's a girl to do? Play charades with the people passing our pathetic selves. I started frantically gesturing a person using a cell phone to each car that passed by. Mostly people laughed, but I did finally get a sweet man to pull over and let us use his phone. I called my mother-in-law. She helped me panic a little more, but other than that, she had no way of helping, she was still back at home. Hmmm.... as I'm thinking, a police officer pulls up and adjusts his waistband (they always do that in the movies, first time seeing it for real- had to let you know)
He said in a very mountain man accent, "Whut chu goteere is uh vapur lock prob'em"
"Pardon?"
"Try'n start the kerr in 'bout 'alf hour"
although the man was hard to understand (even more so in writing) I listened to his advice. He was right! The car started! We made it to camp- praying the whole way that we'd be safe. We did make it safe, but as soon as we got into camp, the door fell off.

Mamma Mia! Here I go again...

I went with a few of my friends to frozen yogurt tonight. Wow, it's so late... I almost didn't catch myself- 'fro yo'. We had so much fun laughing and recounting painful labor stories (and the guys think we giggle in matching pink jammies and have pillow fights), when Rachel says, "I really wanted to go to the movies tonight with John. I even checked the showtimes, but I don't think he'd go see Mamma Mia with me..." Whilst everyone else lends a wistful sigh, I blurt out through nonfat deliciousness, "I'll go!" Yes, we called our husbands and let them know that our 30 minute frozen yogurt with the girls turned into fantastic disco music and unrealistic costuming party in a 30 degree theater... though I am still chipping ice off my nose, I had a far out time reliving my mother's past to ABBA's fabulous music. As much as I loved the singing and dancing, beautiful scenery and twinkling lights (hence, the new background)- the best part of the whole movie was the High School Musical 3 trailer. Sizzle. I heart Troy.

city girls... kinda

I did feel very grown up because I took public transportation into S.F. on Saturday. We met at the Powell St. stop (yeah, how tourist are we?) It was so fun to go into Union Square and go to Britex fabric. Anyone who does not know of this phenomenal store is a true gem. If you have been to Britex or have heard of it, I'm sure you're raging with jealousy. This fabulous place has four stories of gorgeous fabric, patterns, ribbons, buttons etc. and people on every floor who are expert in their knowledge of all the aforementioned goods. We meandered our way around the store drooling (I'm sure they have employee just to mop that up) and finally came to a floor looking confused enough for someone to ask if we needed any help. Of course we did, but if she knew the conversation that was about to ensue, I am sure she would have pretended not to see the glazed over look and puddle of drool and kept on walking. This is how the conversation came to pass:

Gigi (helpful and sweet Britex employee): Did you ladies need any help today?

Me (wiping drool and snapping out of my comatose state): Uhhh... yeah.

Gigi: What are you looking for?

Me: Well, I need a fabric that is stretchy, but not like a swimsuit but stretchy enough to have some give. And it has to be classy, not too tacky. I don't want the fabric to cling, but just barely hug. It has to be able to withstand some serious getting down followed by getting funky. But, I want the color to be such that when I put black sheer over it, it will look like this- ( I proceeded to pull out a swatch that my soon to be sister-in-law and interior designer sent to me)

Gigi (super hero of fabric): ok. I think we can work with that.

Then to my surprise, she used the strange and vague request to zoom up and down the aisles at warp speed, pulling out this bolt and that (I swear she had a secret compartment somewhere, because I did not see any of the fabrics beforehand). After 3.5 seconds, in front of me was EXACTLY what I had pictured! Before I knew it, I was standing in front of the mirror with beautiful fabric draped up and around me and a vision of the gorgeous and elegant frock I would be wearing once I sewed all this fabric together. Yeah... we'll see how that turns out... I also got the cutest fabric to make pajama pants. After being in the magic world of things fabric, my mom and I went to the Cheesecake Factory. Anyone who does not know of this phenomenal restaurant, it is a true gem. If you have been to the Cheesecake Factory, or have heard of it, I'm sure you're raging with jealousy. We shared the Thai Lettuce Wraps, Tuna Carpaccio and Calamari. Then we left... psych! What do you go to the Cheesecake Factory for???? CHEESECAKE! We shared a raspberry lemon slice of cheesecake with lady finger crust- delish! Like the city girls we are, we rushed down to the BART station and hopped on our trains. (I'm so incredibly urban and seriously, so blessed! Heehee) You will not believe what conversation topic came up with a couple from Australia- the Oprah/Ellen debate! Yeah, I won't say how that turned out... but, I did get home safely. Fabulous.

I woke up looking like...

Courtney Love. Completely delirious.

Just a few reasons for this:
1) make-up smeared all over my face
2) drunken looking walking to the bathroom
3) rockstar ( hideous) hair
4) gravelly voice

Reason for this:
1) too tired to wash my face before bed
2) equilibrium off from jumping repeatedly
3) headbanging
4) screaming and swooning uncontrollably

WHY? Because I went to an awesome concert last night!!! So freakin' awesome! I went with Carla, Michelle, Natalie and Stephanie to a Metro Station, Good Charlotte and Boys like Girls concert in Berkeley. (unfortunately, we missed the Maine because we were 20 minutes late. How many rock concerts have you been to that started on time? Apparently they are punctual in the east bay.) I had sooooo much fun. I rocked out! Carla and I were so excited and squealing like little girls, while the girls we were supposed to be chaperoning displayed the most mature and mild reactions to our experience. Maybe they should be chaperoning us! I stood in line to touch the guitarist from Metro Station because, like the goody-two-shoes we are, we followed the rules on the tickets and didn't bring in the camera. Everyone and their mother (literally- I was among hundreds of 13 yr. olds.) brought a camera. So, this is what I said to guitarist, Johno (he signed my ticket with a heart OoOoooO!!) "Hi. I didn't bring my camera, so I just want to be able to say I touched you." Then I proceeded to poke his scrawny rockstar arm. Love it! I also touched some other band member. I don't know who it was, but after much google searching, I'm sure I can find out. On the way out of Berkeley, we passed the tour bus for Boys like Girls and screamed like the girls that boys like! Wooo Hooo! So much teenage fun, it makes me want to wear my retainer again...

*****Metro Station*****

****Good Charlotte****

****Boys like Girls****

I've Been Tagged!*

Joys:
1) Cooking new and super complicated recipes. I feel like I've accomplished something if it tastes good.
2) Living out in the country...ahhh
3) Looking really hot. I love to strut my stuff, although I am too lazy to do it all the time. Maybe that's why I feel so great when I actually try. I like to think it negates all the times I wear sweat pants in public.

Fears:
1) Being lost at sea. There's something about being surrounded by water you can't drink that bothers me. Maybe it's an unconscious metaphor?
2) Jimmy dying before me.
3) Kaitlin being the outcast in school. I hate seeing her feelings get hurt by her peers. It makes my heart literally hurt.

Goals:
I want to open a cafe in some cute downtown location. I already have so many ideas! I also want to eventually build our dream house. I have already drawn out the floor plan... and did it to scale... and drew little tiny pieces of furniture. I want to be financially stable enough to have all my children go through high school without having to get a job. I have learned from a very wise woman to fight to retain my childrens' childhood because they will be adults for the rest of their lives. I want to be eloquent... someday. I want to be that person that everybody quotes in a RS lesson, just because I am wise and humble and strong. I want to be just like Linda Hosking.

Current Obsessions: Blogging for one. My new digital camera, Chronicles of Narnia, Twilight (heeheheheheeee.... I luv luv luv Edward) also: Rock Band, blogging, goat cheese, 'Shake it' by Metro Station, blogging, chocolate covered peanut butter filled pretzels from TJ's... These are just my obsessions for today. I do have an obsessive personality i.e. check out this post.

*I would like to tag Lynda/Kyle, Corinne and Mom

You are reading...

...the blog of the biggest idiot in the world! Yes, you read right, kids. Because only the biggest idiot in the world would leave their purse in the basket at Target! And only the biggest idiot in the world would not notice for half a day that they were missing something vital to, say... go out to lunch or finish a perfect outfit. My outfit was not perfect today (unless I was attending a Trailer park Troubadours concert. Example below.). But I did need my purse to pay for the lunch I was planning on eating with a friend. It was only when I parked at the restaurant that I realized I needed money to pay for lunch. I could have gotten it for free on my good looks, but you've seen the picture of the day's motif :(. So, I tried to remember where I left my purse. Hmmmm... I have been up and at 'em since 6:00, so there was a few places to choose from. I had decided that the most logical place was my mother-in-law's house. I called her place and asked about the purse. No luck. Called the next logical place- Target. I was lead through an automated menu that told me all kinds of information about the wonders of the Target corporation and such. I could touch a number on my keypad and be whisked off to magical places. Like, the electronics department, children's department- but alas, no department for the complete idiot who left a valuable accessory in a red shopping cart. I finally got through to someone. She was very helpful in making me wait on the line for 11 minutes and abruptly disconnecting my pleasant journey of muzak. Gosh, how I love Kenny G in a frustrating situation. After calling back the second time, I got to talk to someone. Here's how it went:

Me: Hi, I think I got disconnected the first time. Did I leave my purse at your store?

Unhelpful minimum wage teenager: Yeah, uhhhhhh, hold on.

Me:(after 7 minutes of waiting) So, did you find it?

Unhelpful minimum wage teenager: Yeah, I think so. Could you describe it?

Me: Well, it's black, with great buckles on the side, and it has a black wallet inside... oh yeah! and a jar of curry simmer sauce from Trader Joe's! (I thought that was sooo funny, so I giggled- I'll admit it- curry does strange things to me.)

Unhelpful minimum wage teenager: (not laughing. Well, maybe not with me.) yeah... that's it.

Me: I'll be right down!

I zoomed down to Target, ran up to the service desk and waited in line. When it was my turn, I mentioned why I was there. The teenager behind the desk asked me again to describe the bag. Thinking it would be funny the second time I mentioned it to her, I said, " It has a jar of curry simmer sauce from Trader Joe's. Hahahaha....(laughter tapers off. I guess it's not funny the second time.)" The teenager asked me if there was anything else I could describe. WHAT?!?! you mean a jar of deliciousness isn't enough? So, I am still the biggest idiot in the world- but I have a sense of humor about it and I am eating fantastically while I'm at it.

I know her better than I thought...

Today, while our family was leaving church, Jimmy and I were looking at all the goodies Kaitlin had scored in Primary. Somehow, she had gotten a WALL-E watch (hideous and rubber, but she likes it) the usual random crayon drawings and three identical cards advertising the new movie, 'Beverly Hills Chihuahua'. Jimmy wanted to take one of the cards to work so that he and his macho co-workers could laugh at the advertisement. They also listen to KISS and have gaming tournaments... gosh, those warehouse boys! Kaitlin wasn't looking when Jimmy slipped one into his pocket. I said, "Jimmy, you know she's going to realize one is missing, right?" Jimmy's response, "They're exactly the same! She won't notice." Kaitlin turns around and grabs her things to put into the car. What's the first thing she says? "Hey! Where's my other card?!?!?!"

P.S. I still don't know how K got the watch and advertisements... I hope she didn't steal them from an unsuspecting sunbeam...

Wanna hear something gross?

• I like to dip my broccoli in mayonnaise
• I just paid a $21.50 library fine- and did not damage a book- just fees
• I had a friend that would trim his toenails with his teeth- ugh!
• I like maple syrup on my breakfast sausage
• I haven't cleaned our guest bathroom since the last week in May (I'm doing it today...)
• I've seen a lizard lose it's tail
• I have killed a countless amount of spiders (we stopped counting at 2,387)
• I have only seen the Sound of Music one time and it was last year, and only because a prompting at Girls' Camp
• I've spotted a black scorpion in our bedroom
• I'm not afraid of ticks anymore, it's a nightly occurence on our dogs
• Kaitlin is not afraid of ticks anymore, she's picked them up with toilet paper and flushed 'em- just like Mommy!!!
• Jimmy puts hot sauce on EVERYTHING- sometimes even ice cream!
• I've played 'covered wagon'
• My father-in-law puts ketchup AND peanut butter on his pizza

Blech!

Happy 4th of July!

I have always loved the 4th of July. When I was 12 years old, I created a parade in my neighborhood. The first year it was a 'boutique' parade, meaning there about 6 people there, one of which was the moving crowd- a teenage boy who ran ahead of the parade and clapped for us as we went by. Now the parade is still going strong. Hundreds of people each year come now! There is a fire engine, clowns, popsicle sales and a band. I'm proud to say I started that. So, if you're ever in Coventry, Rhode Island- make sure to attend the annual Apple Blossom Lane Parade. On to current years... we enjoyed fireworks, hot dogs, a sand castle building contest and corn on the cob. I love spending time with my family. I am grateful to live in a country where so many people have fought for my liberty. Thank you to all who served for my country. I love the oppotunities I have because of them!

No, we did not put this sign up there just to take a picture for my blog. Someone actually wrote this. If you can't read the sign, it says, "SORRY WE NOT HAVED CURLYFRIES AND SPACY CHiCKEN SORRY" I'm not sure if the second sorry was for the lack of goods or lack of grammar. (Please take not of the lone lower case 'i' in the sign... poor 'i')

A hot dog AND a popsicle! Only in America and when mom isn't looking!

Kaitling is seriously punishing that hot dog! Please take note of the awesome heart tatt. No, it doesn't say 'Mom' beneath it.

My niece Nora is so cute! This is the first time she had ever had a popsicle. She is following in her cousin, Kaitlin's footsteps- she is punishing that sweet treat!

Kaitlin was buried in the sand by her auntie, Ashley. It is always cute to see her enjoy the beach and do things for the first time.

"Please, tell me you know Herman's Hermits!"

"Come on, man!" overheard by the man behind me in line at Trader Joe's.

At TJ's, totally awesome music was being piped in through the speakers. All late 50's and early 60's music. Fantastic stuff, that is. It got to the point that I was dancing and singing in the produce section while Kaitlin whispered, "You're embarassing me, Mom!" Yeah, she's four years old. I thought I had ten more years before I embarassed her. I didn't even know she knew the meaning of the word, nevermind putting it in context and italics. As I am bebopping around the store, Kaitlin is following at a distance that people would think she was a mature four year old shopping all by herself. By the end of our shopping experience, I had heard music from the Beatles, the Supremes and Herman's Hermits. In fact, the song "Henry the 8th" was just ending as I got into line to pay for my purchases. I was so excited that Herman's Hermit's was on that I asked the teenage cashier if he liked them. He looked at me as if I asked if they had pig head in stock. (If you don't know what that look is- it's look combining disgust, fear, confusion and curiosity. I'm sure there was a mixture of, 'this lady's crazy' in there, but not enough to tip the scale) So, I proceeded to embarass my daughter, who was actually two people behind me in line waiting to buy the things a mature four year old shopping all by herself would purchase, by asking the cashier, "Have you ever seen that movie Ghost? Or, do you not have a girlfriend that would make you watch that movie?" I thought I said it jokingly. But, you see, it's only a joke if he did have a girlfriend. "It's in that movie. It's the part where he's trying to keep the psychic awake. He's just screaming it." The very embarassed (because I let everyone know he didn't have a girlfriend) cashier said, "Oh, that song 'Melody off the hook'?"

"Uhhh... 'Unchained Melody', you mean- goodness, no! That song is by the Everly Brothers, well not originally..."

"No, still don't know the song. I can check in the back if we have any pig's head..."

"No, no that's ok. But you know who the Everly Brothers are, right?"

"Yeah, aren't they the guys who grown women like you have dreams about?"

"No, that's Zac Efron, Edward and Jacob"

"I don't know what you're talking about now. Would you like help with your groceries? Please say no."

I go weak in the knees for navy

Blue, that is. Pathetic, I know. It must be the nautical spirit in me. One of my favorite outfits is a navy polo shirt, crisp white capris and the shoes pictured in my third post. How did I come to start a blog all about the color navy blue? Well, kids, I will tell you. Pull up a seat and stay awhile- this will take some time...

Once upon a time, in a town square so quaint

Was a group of quirky friends, all Latter-Day Saints

we gathered together because of Christopher's sandwich, fair

and decided to meet, to try the good eats there

it all started with a picture posted on Kelly's page

April made a comment that definitely set the stage

Carla and Stephanie joined in, the picture enticed them too

Then seven women came, when it started with just two

We laughed about our blogging done, and lack thereof for some

We ate amazing, cheap food and had loads of fun!

So, now I'm done with the rhyming (how exhausting!) but, not done with the story. I bet you're wondering why I made such a big deal about navy. Well, at lunch- some of the ladies had no idea what we were talking about when it came to blogging. I think one was so confused with the lingo. You know: post, comment, profile, yada, yada, yada. I went shopping after lunch with a couple ladies for makeup. Yeah, that turned into hair product, makeup from two other stores, clothes shopping, throwing clothes over the door to each other, all that awesomeness that comes with shopping. It was a hoot! I just continued talking about blogging with the ladies that looked at me like I had two heads. (they were of the non blogging side of the table) I felt so bad when I kept saying to them, "See! All this stuff you're telling me would go great on a post. You should totally do it!" On and on I go- even with the rolling eyes and long sighs from my shopping buddies. I decided in the middle of our shopping that I would quit talking about blogging. I did really well! I almost made it out of the store. We were on the threshold leaving our last store. We pass a super cute navy blue skirt and DENIED! I just had to come out with, "I go weak in the knees for navy. Wow! That's a great title for my post"

p.s. I got a kick butt red lipstick, can I get a whut, whut?