Happy Mothers Day!

I have to send out a Happy Mothers Day to my mom. She is a pretty amazing woman by all accounts. Look at all the kids she brought into this world and raised into pretty cool people if I do say so myself. She is incredibly smart, all A's and B's throughout High school and College, yeah I heard about that a couple times. She may say 'wash' like 'worsh' but we love her just the same. She's always sacrificed everything she had to help out her kids and make sure their needs were met first, I've always appreciated that and admired her for it. She made education a priority and got us all into college and a couple out with a masters (not me). She always encouraged our artistic side, and wished at least one of us had musical talent, sadly no one learned to play the grand piano we had. She is currently on her second mission in Costa Rica where she is sacrificing another 18 months of her life to serve the Lord, which is such a great example to her children and grandchildren. I love you Mom!

I also have to wish a Happy Mothers Day to my sisters who have been amazing example of mothers to me. From my first niece Samantha who was born when I was 14 (i think), I've had the opportunity to help raise all my nieces and nephews and learn from my sisters what it takes to be a great mom. Now that I finally am one I realize what I've really gained from watching and helping them.

Happy Mothers Day Debbie you practically raised me. Now you've raised 3 smart, beautiful girls. Just when you thought you were done you have a baby boy on the way. It's been a wonderful surprise to our whole family and I'm so excited for the little guy to get here. Debbie is one of the smartest women I know. Anything needs to be done, she learns how to do it and does it herself. She's taught me that I'm smart enough to do anything if I just put the time in to learn how to do it.

Happy Mother's Day Chris! You had a big hand in raising me as well. You've made one little Chihuahua named Spike a very loved and special doggy. You are such a giving and loving person. Your way of making friends with people you meet has always amazed me. You are creative and talented and made me the most beautiful wedding cakes, did I mention delicious!

Happy Mother's Day Sharon. Where do I begin, you are a super woman. On top of raising 5 beautiful talented children you've managed to run marathons, get a teaching degree, help your husband with his medical practice and stay as amazingly beautiful as, well, you've always been. If Dave doesn't realize what an amazing woman you are he's an idiot.

Happy Mother's Day Rainey! You are truly one of my best friends. You have helped me and been there for me more times than I can count. Every time I get happy mail from you it makes my whole week. You have been such an amazing mom to your adorable boys. You have become such a strong woman and they will love you forever for all the sacrifices and hard work you've put into raising these boys. I've always envied your talent and creativity, I always looked up to you and wanted to be just like you!

Happy Mother's Day Cate! You have two of the cutest kids around. Collin is so inquisitive and smart, and Kelsey is just adorable. I can't wait till her and Ike can play together. I've been copying your taste and style since you brought home that Morrissey album (yes a record) all those years ago. I always felt lucky to get to hang out with you cause you were so cool, and still are. The only picture I could find of you is the one with you and Collin dressed up looking Goth and I thought people might think that's how you always look, not that there's anything wrong with that. I was so excited when you were pregnant with Collin because I thought oh you are going to have a little Cate, well you ended up with a little Chad that time but Kelsey is such a little you, I can't wait to watch them both grow up.

I feel so lucky to be a mom myself for my first mother's day. I'm so lucky to have the cutest baby boy ever and to have an amazing husband who loves and supports me. I know that it is because of the example of my mother and sisters that I've become such an incredible mom myself (that was a backdoor brag, I just learned about those on 30 rock)

Happy Mother's Day to all you women out there, whether you are mom yet or not. This is your special day.

Happy Mother's Day to All!

I just want to wish all the woman out there in blogland a Happy Mother's Day. I've met so many amazing women in the last year through blogging and weather you are mom's yet or not you deserve to be pampered today. So sleep in, call your mom, and watch or read some Jane Austin or Dorothy Parker, you deserve it!

*if you can't read that picture it says "As soon as I finish the laundry I'll do the grocery shopping and take the kids with me so you can relax." It's from the book Porn for Women!

SPT - Something Old

The SPT challenge this month is related to the wedding tradition: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue. This challenge is perfect for this month because Ryan and I just celebrated our anniversary. For my present to him I asked my friend Hannah to take some pictures of me and Ike. She did an awesome job. I just came across this website that makes your pictures instantly old. I love how it turned out.

DLX Design

I've decided to start a Design Blog to start getting work and to show off what I've been doing. The site so far is a work in progress but then so am I. I've done several banners now and a few backgrounds. I love playing on photoshop and would love to use my skills for others. I will be charging soon, but it will be well worth it. Feel free to check out what I've done and check back periodically to see what else I've come up with. Tell a friend!
*You can call it either D L X or Deluxe Design.
**Feel free to take the button from my side bar to put on your blog!

Ryan & Marjorie 2 years and counting

It is Ryan and My anniversary today. We got married May 6th 2006 in American Fork amphetheater. We then traveled down to California to have a reception at my parents house. Of course we went to a couple Dodger games while we were there. It was a wonderful experience. Our wedding day was just the first of the happiest days of my life, I've had 730 since then. I can't wait to spend countless more with Ryan by my side.

I just want to say Happy Anniversary to my sweet heart. I am more in love with you every day. I never thought someone could make me so happy.
He doesn't like public displays of affection but he knows how I feel about him.

Officially a Blogger / Blog Party USA

{doesn't Lucy look cute in the picture}

Last night I attended the 3rd annual Blog Party. Being that I've only been blogging 8 months this was my first time attending but hopefully not the last. It was hosted by the incomparable Jill and the sensational Kristi, they really had it together and organized a really fun event. We all got really fun door prizes. Personally I think I got the cutest thing, a brown clutch purse from Target. They made us switch tables in the middle which gave me the chance to talk to the adorable Cecilia whose husband sacrificed his date night to come hang out with a bunch of girls and DJ our party. Thank you World Mix for making it feel like a real Par-tay!

I tried to find a picture to show just how many woman showed up. It was quite the turn out. I didn't get a chance to talk to everyone, but I was able to meet some really lovely woman and get to know some others a little better.
I'm glad some of my book club girls were able to make it. Like the lovely Annalisa who I knew would be there because she's had a count down ticker on her blog for the last month. I also got to meet her cute sister Crystalyn, makes me wish my sisters were closer to go to things like this with me.

{cute pic of Hannah thanks to Amy M)

At one point in the evening some of the girls got up and gave their "testimonies" of blogging. It was really sweet with just a hint of girls camp. If I would have had the guts to get up I would have had to mention Hannah. I owe her a debt of gratitude. When I started blogging I looked up the other bloggers who lived in Pleasant Grove. Hers really stood out to me so I commented on a couple of posts. She responded on my blog. Then I did a self pitying post about not having any friends (which I recommend doing because in writing it out I realized just how many friends I do have). Well she was kind enough to offer her friendship and soon we met up at the park and have been friends ever since. Luckily she let me invite myself to her blogger book club where I've been able to meet a lot of other amazing women. So thank you Hannah, you are one of the most genuinely authentic people I know, and I really appreciate that about you. Oh and thanks for the ride last night! {Jazz Hands}

I'm So Excited!

If you guys haven't heard about it the Beehive Bazaar is coming up. May 9th and 10th, just in time for Mother's Day. If you know me you know I'm not really a boutique type person. My house is neither country or rustic which is usually the style of most boutiques, (that I've been to). But from what I've seen of the Beehive Blog, and knowing some of the artists involved I'd say this is going to be a little different, and I'm all about a little different. If I've peaked your interest check out http://beehivebazaar.blogspot.com/ and if that peaks your interest hopefully I'll see you there.
*Ryan if you are reading this, can I borrow some money.

Just a little something I whipped up

My tummy is full and happy. I finally made this delicious syrup that my sister Sharon makes. I heard years ago how good it was and it's taken me this long to finally try it. It calls for buttermilk that I never buy. I got some to make Ranch Dressing which I'm going to start doing more often. I made the syrup yesterday and have been trying to think of what else it would be good on, this morning I saw a banana and viola. You all need to try this at home.

Sharon's Syrup

1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
Boil
Remove from heat then add
1 teaspoon soda (Be sure kettle is large as it foams up high
1 teaspoon mapleine or vanilla

That's it, it was really simple and so yummy. I used vanilla and think it's probably best. The syrup is kind of a carmely butterscotch flavor. You'll be addicted.

SPT - Pain at the Pump

Isn't this really what it feels like.

I'm looking old, but anyways. I filled up my Subaru on Sunday and it hurt a little bit. Well except for the fact that I was using Ryan's credit card. It goes two ways though, now that I'm not working I'm using alot less gas. It's ridiculous the price of gas right now, especially when the major gas companies are reporting record profits. So everyone needs to stop buying gas at the major gas companies and buy local gas. I hate to tell you Bush but Ethanol isn't much better. If you want to be pissed off watch Who Killed the Electric Car. Ryan is looking for a new car and I'm trying to talk him into a hybrid but unfortunately they are too expensive, although it probably evens out. I think I've convinced him at least to get a small car instead of another Toyota Tundra which he had when we were dating.

Ok so the assignment was this...
your challenge this week? find your last receipt from the gas station (or if you are filling up over the weekend, make note of what you spend.) how'd you do? $35.00? $70.00? $100.00+?? what if you could take THAT amount and spend it on something for you?? to make it a little more challenging, let's just say that you can only buy ONE item, and the cost of that ONE item must be within $5.00 of what you spent at the pump.

One Item, no problem. I saw this a few weeks ago on Delight.com and haven't gotten it out of my head. It's a cool sight with environmentally friendly gift ideas. When I saw it though I thought, oh it's too much money. Well it's about as much as I just put in my tank which should last me about 2 weeks (fingers crossed). I think it's kind of appropriate. To help me relax and get rid of the stress over the economy and gas prices I can soak in the tub with a good book and a drink, ahh calgon take me away.

Happy Birthday Laura

I have the Best Mother-In-Law anyone could ask for. She's so kind and generous, and absolutely adores Ike. She goes through with drawls when she doesn't get to see him. I definitely lucked out. Marrying Ryan was the best thing that ever happened to me. Getting to be a part of his amazing family is just icing on the cake.

(Before, not that there was anything wrong with it)

For Laura's birthday I decided to redo her mantle. She mentioned a while back that she wanted to redo it. She should learn you can't say things like that in front of me. I had planned on just getting her a couple apothecary jars. I told Ryan I was only going to spend $40. Well I found some stuff on clearance and one thing lead to another.

(After)

I hope she likes it. I went over while they were at church and did it without her knowing it. She should be getting home anytime now, I'm just waiting for her call. We'll see...

Happy Sis Mail

My sister Rainey is so cool. She's really ran with the whole 'Good Mail' concept. She has coined it Happy Good Mail cause it makes her happy when she receives it. Yeah, Me too. She shares my love for Target and got me these super cute hand towels from the Dwell collection. I've been eyeing and coveting these since they came out. She threw in a Choxie bar which you will notice I took no time opening and trying out, yum.
Now it's my turn, what should I send my super cute sister?

Come and Get It

I will be eating good for a while. Tim is a man of his word and sent me out gift cards for his EZ Take Out Burger. Ryan is going to be so happy. He loves their breakfast sandwiches and burritos too. I need to try their chicken sandwich, I think that will be my lunch tomorrow. Do you want some yummy food too. Without kissing up to me I mean. My man Tim emailed me this with a very generous offer.

I mailed out $20 in gift certificates today so I hope you enjoy a mouth-watering Double-Take and a creamy boysenberry shake. I had an epiphany today when I read your second post and saw all the positive feedback that you received. I feel like local bloggers could have a huge impact on my restaurant whether it be a small family private blog or a larger public blog. If I can get some of these writers to try out my restaurant and post a small review on their blog that could create a lot of buzz. I’ll try to get to my point. I would like to offer gift certificates to other people that you know that have blogs and are willing to try out my restaurant and comment on it. For some reason you just seem like a person that is in the loop and may know other people that have blogs. If you would be willing to send them an email or even post this idea on your blog that would be great. All they have to do is email me their address and I will send them out some gift cards with their promise that they will write a little review. I would also compensate you for your time with some more delicious boysenberry shakes and hot fresh fries. EzOutBurger@gmail.com.

He's a smart man, you scratch his back and he'll scratch yours. It's a pretty good deal if you ask me. Then we can all go to lunch together!

It's getting easier being Green-SPT

Happy Earth Day everyone!!!

To Celebrate Earth Day I decided to go golfing, ok well just to the driving range. I'm not exactly sure how it relates to Earth Day, but hey I got out of the house. I even did better than I thought I would, I hit quite a few straight 100 yard shots. I had Ike in his stroller and he would actually laugh every time I hit it bad. It was a beautiful day, I'm glad I got out.

For Earth Day growing up I remember having school assembly's and getting excited about trying to help the earth. The one that really stuck in my head was not letting the water run while you brush your teeth, growing up in California water conservation was a big one. I've caught Ryan letting the water run while he brushes and have chided him for it, and he stopped. I've definitely been more conscious lately about being more conservative (not politically). I'm not doing my best in every area but I'm going to start being better. I'm going to get some eco-friendly cleaners, use my target grocery bags, stop using paper products. Thankfully it's easier to find 'Green' products now a days. I also need to find out if there is a recycling center anywhere close we can take stuff. I really wish Pleasant Grove had a recycling pick up, get on that Hannah.

What did you do to celebrate Earth Day?

I'm EZ

1055 S. State Street in Orem

Last month I did a post where I mentioned EZ Take Out Burger. Today I got this email from the owner.

I noticed you put in a good word for my restaurant on your blog. Every once in a while I google EZ Take Out Burger Utah just to see what people are writing about the place. You mentioned that it tastes a lot like In n Out which is a huge compliment considering In n Out is an Icon in California. I would like to send you some free gift certificates and maybe you can send some over to Ryan so that he can eat there a few more times. Just send me your address and I’ll mail them out to you. Continue to write good things about the place. I feel we really serve some good food but we need to get the word out a little more.

Thanks again,

Tim Andreoli

How cool is that. Now I'm craving it and will have to go there for lunch today. They have boysenberry shakes, yum! Everyone needs to go there and try it out, you won't be disapointed, and if you are nice to me maybe I'll share some of the coupons he's going to send me!

Rainey's Wise Idea

I talked to my sister Rainey today and she mentioned something she heard that sounded like a pretty good idea to me.

Are you sick of rising gas prices. That's a rhetorical question. Ok then stop buying gas at the 4 major gas stations. Here's the basic economic idea behind this. The 4 major Gas companies Texaco, Chevron, Mobile, and Shell are the market leaders, therefore they set the price. If people stop purchasing gas from these companies they will be forced to lower their prices, simple supply and demand. Instead support your local gas companies who follow the leaders. If the major companies lower their prices all the little guys will follow. There is no reason gas companies should be reporting record high gains when we are spending a growing percentage of our income on gas.

Makes sense to me, and if you notice prices are usually a little lower at the local companies anyways.

I accomplished something today!

Don't worry I already patted myself on the back. This morning I was watching the Oprah from Thursday that gave family's challenges to go without the TV or Computer, no eating out, no paper products etc. Basically challenging people to waste less. As I was watching I was on my laptop looking at blogs. I went to my friend Jen's blog where she did a post about putting herself to the test of using her computer and TV less. I started feeling guilty for sitting there wasting time so I turned the TV off, went outside and decided to start weeding the little area in front of my house.I neglected to take a before picture but I took this one yesterday of my cute house and you can kind of see how bad it was. Yeah that was a weed not a plant you can see.

After weeding I went to Lowes and Walmart and got some plants to put in. I used alot of wild flower seeds as well so hopefully they grow. I also replanted the 4 hanging pots on my front porch and two planters I have in my kitchen. I love having days like this although they make me feel really lazy when I don't get anything done. It did help that I just picked up a couple Pink garden tools from Targets dollar section. They actually worked really good.

Franny and Zooey

(Franny)

(Zooey)

We had our blogger book club meeting tonight discussing my book pick this time, J.D. Salingers Franny and Zooey. I love this book and was happy to find that some of the girls loved it too. I think those who didn't appreciate it still would agree it made for a good discussion. Kelly was nice enough to host, she made the yummiest fondue dip, and her house was super cute with lots of fun antiques and collectibles.

I found a website that gives Book-a-Minute recaps and I think their one for Franny and Zooey pretty much sums it up.

Franny:
Why is everyone so ignorant?

Zooey:
Why are you so ignorant, you little punk?

(Franny CRIES. They discuss GOD.)

THE END

*Ultra-Condensed by Annie Berke

Dream Life

I want everything in this video. As some of you may know I'm a bit of a retro fiend. If you saw my wedding anouncement you may have guessed. I stole this video off of one of my favorite websites http://www.lileks.com/ He's done a few books and has posts and commentary on alot of retro stuff. One of my favorites is the Art of Art Framm where Celery + Gravity = Art

You can never go back again

Literally! This is U-Hall at Deseret Towers (DT) where I lived my freshman year at the BYU. It's actually the only one that has anything left to it at all. A friend mentioned that they were tearing down DT but I didn't believe her till I saw it for myself. So Sad.

I needed to get out of the house today so I decided to go walk around BYU. I thought it apropriate since it was 10 years ago this spring that I graduated. I've been back to parts of the school since but hadn't really walked around on my own since.

There have been alot of changes made. The renovations on the library, with a cool new atrium at the entrance. The Wilk has been remodeled. The poster for the start of the remodeling featured a wistful looking yours truely as the 'future of the wilk'. I'd make a good poster child for the past now.

My walking tour would not be complete without visiting my old home on campus, the Brimhall Building. From the outside it all looks the same. Walking inside was a different story. First the carpet and walls were changed. Then turning the corner I was expecting the old Photography Lab where I spent many hours. Gone! the photo studio, Gone, Gone, Gone. All taken over by the advertising department or the newspaper or whatever. Honestly it was heartbreaking. I actually got sad about it walking around. I think I had half expected to run into my old professor or see someone I knew. When you walk into somewhere where you know so well and it's completely different it's hard to process. I don't even know where the photo department is now. Does anyone out there know?

All in all it was fun revisiting my old haunts. I got some much needed exercise and fresh air and sunshine. I think Ike enjoyed it too, maybe he'll go there some day and continue the tradition.

The More You Know, Tibet

If you are like me, for years you have heard about Tibet and talk of freeing Tibet. I never really took the time to figure out what was going on there and why it's sparked so many protests and rally's. With the Olympics coming up in China, a lot of attention has been brought to the occupation of Tibet. Here are two ways that I learned more about the situation.

If have 10 mins listen to this, Tibetan Sovereignty Has a Long, Disputed History

If you have 2 hours watch this, Tibet, Cry of the Snow Lion, This is an amazingly powerful, emotional documentary I recommend everyone watch.

Basically my interpretation of the situation is that Tibet has built their society around the religion of Buddhism. Their religious leader the Dali Lama is also there political leader. One of their core beliefs is The thing that brings them happiness or causes them trouble is their own behavior. They lived a peaceful religious life. Then in 1949 communist China invaded in order to 'free the Tibetan people of western imperial rule'. The communist anti-religious philosophy was the antithesis of Tibetan way of life. Many priests and nuns were imprisoned and tortured simply for practicing their beliefs. There are currently 300,000 Chinese military in Tibet. The Chinese government has given incentives for Chinese to move to Tibet to live and work, which has turned the Tibetan people into second class citizens who cannot find jobs and cannot afford to go to school which now cost 200-300 dollars per child which is what most Tibetans earn in a year. China is guilty of human rights violations on par with Nazi Germany. What has happened in Tibet has been defined as a genocide.
It's really a tragic situation. The thing that is really frustrating is that now the US has a nearly 87 billion dollar trade deficit with China, so basically we are funding the occupation of Tibet. It makes me feel even more guilty for shopping at Walmart.
One thing I didn't realize is that the nuns shave their heads and dress the same as the monks so when you see the protests and the violence happening against them, it may be women getting beaten aswell as the men.

Finally (did it and got it)

Poor Osky Sir, we got him neutered yesterday. I don't know why we didn't do it sooner. I was unaware that neutering your dog would mellow him out, Oskar needed that in a big way. Ryan mentioned it the other week, then I saw the Oprah episode about puppy mills and they were talking about how important it is to get your pet spayed and neutered because of the over abundance of homeless pets and pets that are euthanized in this country. I called our vet and it was going to cost us over $300.00, ouch. Then I came on the site for no more homeless pets, they have a Spay and neuter clinic in Orem that only charges 50 bucks. So there was really no excuse. Oskar is doing pretty good except he hates his cone. Take it off he's as good as new, put it on and you would think he is really struggling. When I put it on Ike thought it was so funny he kept laughing.

We finally found a rug! Thanks for all the comments and suggestions on the post about looking for one. It took me a while to get out to the places that were suggested but yesterday we went to Lowes to look and actually found 3 different ones we liked but chose this one. I re-read the comments left and realized Tasha mentioned the exact rug we picked out. I don't know her except through comments she leaves on my friend Hannah's blog but she's a winner in my book, thanks! and she has a cute illustration for her profile.

Spring Cupcakes

I've been itching to make these cupcakes ever since I saw them online around Easter. I finally made an excuse, family dinner. They were shown with white frosting but I think they came out ok with chocolate. I think I will try them with white for book club.

Ryan's Dad made me that cute birdhouse in the background I had to show off. He's quite the birdhouse maker.

That's not snow

This is what I woke up to this morning. I heard it start as soon as Ryan shut the door to leave this morning. Good timing Ryan. He made it to the car and to work this morning just fine but it's been a nasty day this morning.

We got some pretty good size hail this morning. It did turn into snow later but not before hailing a little bit more after this picture was taken.

Um can we have spring now, thanks.

It sucks being sick

I woke up Friday morning sicker than sick. Throwing up and all the rest. Ike threw up once and has some pretty nasty diapers but otherwise he's been feeling good. I made Ryan stay home from work which he was not too happy about, but he really helped me out.

What really sucks is that I missed my friend Dan's poetry reading in Salt Lake last night. His cute wife was going to be with him and I haven't seen her since my wedding. They live in Mississippi and because of my fear of the South I probably won't be visiting them anytime soon. I really wish I could have made it.

I'm starting to feel better this morning, but I'm worried that Ryan is getting sick now, I sure hope not. I don't wish what I had on anyone.

It's nice to be home

There is nothing like being away for a while to make you appreciate your home again. I love my home. When I got home I was sad that Ryan wasn't there but he had cleaned the house while I was gone so I forgave him. We spent most of the time in Vegas cleaning. It gave me a new appreciation for having a clean house, hopefully I can keep that feeling. I need to work on my cleaning skills, I figure while I'm not working my new job needs to be cleaning, and snuggling Ike. Don't tell Ryan though because then He'll try to hold me to it.