painting the V

It's a Homecoming tradition to paint the letter on our mountain. Last week's rain & snow postponed the event by a week--- but don't worry--- the tradition did go on! #4 in our family to participate, miss Hailey- got just a little bit of paint on herself.

That's what it's all about now~ isn't it?

It's a senior class tradition. Gotta say, it just doesn't seem possible Hailey can be a senior in High School!?

Or maybe it just doesn't seem possible that I could be the mother of 4-- count them 4-- kids who have graduated from High School? Wow- I love it though. Love it.

What a fun tradition~ what a bunch of great kids.

are you sitting down?

You are never going to believe this!? Yesterday Brett had an early doctor's appointment downtown. I went with him & on the way home... we took advantage of another day (even though it was partial) together.We stopped & had lunch at the amazing

(even though I am a chocolate lover- my favorite desserts here are always strawberry & cream)
Gourmandise

* sigh*

then headed over to temple square.

We put 30 minutes on our parking meter & took that time to enjoy.

Temple square is always beautiful any time of the year.

Flowers & bulbs were set out ready to plant.

It got me thinking & I can't wait to plant some of my own bulbs! And.. about how blessed I feel to be a member of this church. I am grateful for temples that seal our families together eternally.

It's such a privilege to live so close to such an important place. I can remember year after year stopping by here on family car trips to visit my Grandparents-- and now I live 15 minutes away! crazy really

I love to see the missionaries & feel of their spirit & excitement for the gospel. I watched this older missionary couple & wondered if someday Brett & I will get to go on a mission- that would be awesome!

There is a fairly new exhibit in the south visitor's center.

It was my first time seeing it- (The kids spent a lot of time here during Brian & Laura's wedding ceremony inside the temple.) It's a model to scale, of the temple- set in front of the south side- cut open so you can see what exactly is in the temple. It's so stunning- I learned a lot!

When you go into the temple you just don't have time or even the opportunity to go in all those rooms- so this is a real treat to see more of everything inside. There are also interactive touch screens that take you through room by room & explain each room's purpose.

another great day... kind of raises the expectations for the rest of the week- huh?

columbus day

Brett works in the banking industry & had today off. The kids were in school so we had the day to ourselves!- wow that never happens.

Brett had the brilliant idea to drive up into the mountains & see what is left of the Fall colors.

We drove up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Solitude ski resort.


It was beautiful- absolutely beautiful

We missed the red colors but there were plenty of yellows.

and look at this-- even some snow!

We always talk about doing this... then don't do it! Why is that?

Well happy day- this year we did it.

stunning really

This lone tree in the midst of green was one of my favorite views of the day.

It's amazing to me the beauty of the mountains.

kind of a lame photo of the two of us... we were trying to get the mountain in the back ground- the sun was bright... I think I may have spinach or something in my teeth... oh lovely day.

homecoming date

rainy day baking

Yesterday I baked-- a lot. Well, cooked & baked really. I've kind of gone crazy with the homemade theory.

(home made tortillas - recipe/tutorial here)
Have I told you my theory?
I haven't??

(Michelle's miracle bread I substitute 2 cups of fresh ground wheat flour for 2 of the cups of white & use brown sugar instead of white. follow all the rest of the directions for a 2 loaf recipe. DELISH)

Well, I'm thinking that I'm sick of eating chemicals & I want to have most things homemade & organic. The most health ingredients I can find & afford. NOt that I'm quitting the diet coke or occasional trip to McDonald's--- haha- don't get me wrong!? (I'm not that crazy)I am just trying to take a more healthy approach to our everyday eating by planning & working ahead.

(make ahead lemon poppy seed breakfast muffins- I LOVE these)

I'm not really sure my theory is anything more that just a lot of work for me?

I had to clean my kitchen aid bowl out three times... blah.

NOT to mention all the other everyday dishes & cooking mess. BUT- I love rainy day baking. I really love it- so maybe it's not all that much work- or maybe the work is worth it?

(Halloween Monkey Joey 2011)

Gotta say- I wish I could bake for this little guy!

don't you think he would love some banana bread?

seriously?

This was my view driving home from work yesterday.For real? Last week - seven days ago- we had record high temperatures. Today rain & snow on the foothills. It's FAReezing people. I had to turn the heat on- the highs in the 40's. Don't cry for me yet... it's going to be Fall next week with 60's in the forecast!!
I was worried too... I LOVE Fall & can't bare to miss it.
In the mean time-
Brett came home from a five day business trip. I was completely exhausted mentally & physically. Being a single parent is a lot of work, even for just 5 days! Yesterday Trent & I went to the store to buy him a new umbrella. (we got over 2" of rain) He was ticking (whistling) nearly every 20-30 seconds. He had, had a rough day with a bully kid pushing him at one point & telling him to "shut up." In other words- stop whistling. (Heaven knows I've wanted to tell him to shut up at times myself.. sometimes the pitch is so high it's like an ice pick to the ear drum, still I HATE BULLIES- AND THIS KID IS GONNA GET IT WHEN I CALL THE SCHOOL TODAY!) So-- in the grocery store I just ignore it- but when we got to the check out line a gentleman in front of us commented, "there is where the whistling is coming from! I've heard you whistling all over the store." We just smiled & when he went on again (he wasn't being rude, really) I said- he has Tourette's syndrome & whistles. Trent said, "Ya & it's better than swearing." We laughed that off & that poor guys just wanted to disappear. I could tell he was so shocked & wishing he hadn't said anything. It was fine really. I'm wondering if Brett should take him to the movies tonight like planned? What about the Nutcracker this year? Hmm. lots to think about.

cootie catching

Pick a number Ok- pick another number
one more...
now ask your question.

Now that I've been working at my job for one year, will I get a raise?

Definitely YES!!

WOO HOOO!!!!

again-

** Yesterday's quilt- YES I used the same pattern as Hailey's & Beth's. I LOVE THIS PATTERN! It is so easy to use & great for a beginner. I like how it uses so many different fabrics & can be made with a charm pack of matching fabrics (plus a couple more squares.) I have made it several times now & I will again! It's titled Vintage baby Quilt by yoyo mama designs, by Marlene Miller. I highly recommend it**

i did it!

Yesterday I got everything done on my list- everything that is... except blogging! I finished this quilt (love it)

mopped the painted floor (my least favorite job)

made dinner early & put it in the oven while I

drove ballet carpool

put up the Halloween decorations

walked

scripture study

Now it's a new day... oh boy-- gotta get going. I have a feeling today may not be as productive?