Melt by amr

I Like...

2011-04-08T21:38:00.000-06:00

Strawberry Vinaigrette

2011-04-08T13:01:00.005-06:00

We're on Spring Break in Palm Springs (which totally explains why I have posted two days in a row) and strawberries are fully in season here. They are red, ripe, delicious and most importantly abundant! We made a salad for dinner and I thought to make a fresh dressing. After googling several recipes for strawberry vinaigrettes - many of them included ingredients like dijon mustard, strawberry jam, or poppy seeds. Not being satisfied with my options, I ventured out on my own and went for pure and simple.

Strawberries

Olive Oil

Red Wine Vinegar

A bit of Sugar

Of course, it doesn't hurt that the strawberries alone are divine and so distinctly fresh in flavor. But this was so good and easy. I blended it all in about 30 seconds with a Magic Bullet (adding that to my kitchen gadget want list). Next time I think I'll try it with Balsalmic Vinegar.

This is not my kitchen..

2011-04-07T18:06:00.005-06:00

image via canadian house and home

...but perhaps mine could look like a bit like it. I pulled this image for inspiration because I love it! It is so extremely different than my previous sleek, white kitchen - but the whole vibe for my California home is much more rustic than my Utah home. One tiny problem though - I REALLY miss my white kitchen. So when I saw this picture my heart sang an "aha" song. Why don't I marry the two styles into one perfect kitchen? (At least as close to perfect as I can muster.) I need you to weigh in... What do you think? Would you paint JUST an island in a kitchen?

Sweet as Honey

2011-03-16T23:52:00.000-06:00

A Report of the past week and other random things:

Dearest friends, I have loved all your comments and emails. I am so happy you are checking in at my blog and saying hello. It means so much to me now more than ever that I am so many miles away from what was once my home - and many of you! I want to visit you on your blogs too - so if I'm missing any, please link me there.

If Ruby Jane were the first or second baby, she may have a lovely baby journal or scrapbook ;-), but since she's not, I have to write these little tidbits somewhere and it might as well be here. You know how all babies have a smell? Not the sweet scent of just bathed Johnson and Johnson pink (heaven knows how much we all love that) - but their own actual smell? Ruby's is the most distinct of all my babies. Of all things, she smells like HONEY. The irony of the sweetness of her smell and the sourness of her sleepytime demeanor is not lost on me.

I had a major win this week and got Josie into preschool for next year. She was previously wait-listed and we got in. I'm so relieved...and it is the favorite choice among many of my friends. Also, one of the most affordable - unlike the one closest to me that has a $6000/yr tuition!!!! Yep - the bay area is just as nutty and expensive as its reputation suggests.

Speaking of expensive, gas reached over $4.00 here. How much is it where you live?

The leprechauns are waiting for the kids to go to sleep so they can start turning the milk and the toilet water green. (Leprechaun Bryce came up with that last one a couple of years ago. Leprechaun amr thinks it's a little gross.) The kids are already prepared and have laid out their green outfits and silly green headbands. I was going to make green smoothies for breakfast, but eating cold cereal (Lucky Charms, of course!) with green milk is their favorite part of the morning so I think I'm just going to bag it. Sweet and simple.

My sister and niece went to Our Best Bites cookbook signing party last week. I was so ENVIOUS! We have been major fans of their blog for a while now... my favorites recipes are their sausage tortellini soup and buttermilk syrup (not together!) I don't have their cookbook YET, but plan on getting it when we visit UT this summer. Save one for me Mo-mos - don't buy them all out!

That's it for now.

Hi from the Hippies

2011-03-09T22:27:00.001-07:00

If you've been wondering how the kids are integrating into the notoriously eclectic life offered in the city by the bay ... wonder no more.

Baby Girl

2011-02-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

This is Ruby Jane. She joined us in September. She is number five. Isn't she cute?

An Update

2011-02-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

At some point, I plan to go back and post the crazy story of how we found ourselves in California; but its much too long and complicated and I'm still too tired a bit emotional to even think of spilling it all out. That said, I would love to include a little update on everybody. We're just going to move forward...

Bryce: takes the train (bart) into the office almost every day - (we live about 20-25 minutes east of San Francisco.) He loves the consistency of a regular work schedule and we love having him home every night. Honestly, we *love* it. Our FAMILY life here in CA is better than ever. He still tweets here and writes a venture blog here.

amr: can be found smooching with Ruby and laughing at Josie most days, missing my old friends/making some new ones, decorating the house in my MIND ONLY cause these late baby nights are not as easy at 36 as they were at 25. Happily hosting various family members who have visited almost monthly since the big move from UT.

Kalli: rehearsing for the lead in the school play (I'm soooo proud of her, but more on that story later.) Blending her own personal style with California casual. Studying A LOT cause Jr. High is much more challenging than elementary school.

Ella: making friends, packing school lunches (she does it every night), loving Ruby - this girl is going to be some fantastic mama someday - but insists she's having only 2 maybe 3 kids. Whaaaattt? Don't I make it look so easy?

Max: loving daddy time so so so much. Losing teeth and growing tall. Being sweet. Going to loads of school mate's birthday parties. Loves going into the city to dad's office.

Josie: soo funny and soo loud. enjoying a preschool class - never stops talking, loves all princess and girlie things. Has broken more things than all the other kids combined. Yep, she's a swirlie, girlie tornado.

Ruby: first plane trip this month (Deer Valley), smiles so wide, up all night (still!), light as a feather - 14 lbs at 5 months. In spite of it all, having another baby in the house is the most magical gift to a family.

That's it for now...how about you? Are most of you all on Facebook, does anyone still blog? How about Twitter? You can find my tweets here.

Let me explain...

2011-02-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

After a long and exhausting day of diapers and feedings and homework and chaperoning, I went to anxiously check the time and found this sweet little conspiracy in place...tacked onto the microwave clock with duct tape. Max's bedtime is 7:00, but I can't EVER put him to bed if 7:00 never rolls around, right? I died. "Bring me my camera!" I cried, and Kalli smacks me with these words: "Why take a picture - you don't blog anymore!" And my heart kinda broke. She was right. I would take a picture, eventually download it when my card was full, and this sweet story would stay put in iPhoto forever. I would never print it for a photo album, for a class project, or to frame. But its little moments like these that are worth sharing...and more importantly remembering. I really miss that about blogging - how you appreciate things a little differently because you get to share them. So I'm back - really mostly for myself and this memory of mine that can't even remember my own kids' names. Amidst this chaos of new baby, new state, new house - the life behind it all is just the same. Mine. And I can't wait to share it.

Come along and melt with me...

She Camps!

2010-07-05T16:51:00.003-06:00

Kalli had a packed schedule this summer with her first Beehive camp up at Brighton and her first girls camp with our ward. She had such a ball and it was unbelievable how empty and lonely the house was without our party planner and fun coordinator around. I always had visions of sending off my first girl to camp - and actually getting to go along as an advisor. Instead I'm at home nursing swollen feet and a third-trimester belly bump that grows with each passing week....I suppose there's always next year when the little pumpkin will be one! And hey, with four daughters - I've been assured there will be plenty of girls camps for me!

Happy 4th of July from the Roberts gang

2010-07-03T16:46:00.000-06:00

Wanna know...

2010-07-02T20:48:00.001-06:00

...what happens when you send the kids to the main street candy shop to choose one treat each for the Cody Stampede rodeo later that night?

Buffalo Bill Dam

2010-07-02T13:27:00.000-06:00

My dad has been volunteering at the dam for the last couple of years...and don't tell the visitor's centers, but the kids' favorite part of the entire experience was riding to and from the building in the club car driven by our very fabulous chauffeur, Grandpa.

The Cabin 2010

2010-07-01T11:12:00.007-06:00

Josie had a fantastic time "driving" the 4-wheeler all across the
back porch...and as you can tell, Max was a great
play-along passenger.

This girl is always willing to strike a pose.

Ella died and went to heaven simply from the fact that she
got to drive the 4-wheelers this year. Max is willing to pony on
the back of anyone driving the machines...

The kids got dose of the pioneer spirit by being hauled in a
wagon - Grandpa style.

A face only a mother could love...is that marshmallow in her nostril?

....the other day, I saw a bear, a great big bear, the other day...

Perhaps you can guess who won this wrestling match?

This 12 point buck was definitely worth mounting.

Oh Give Me A Home....

2010-06-30T12:09:00.000-06:00

Get ready - get set for a slew of hometown Wyoming posts! We had another great visit this year...can't imagine summer without it. Giddyup!

*This photo is taken just on the way to the cabin with just a few miles left to go.

Toy Story 3 Premiere

2010-06-24T19:48:00.000-06:00

The kids got to go to a special premiere of Toy Story 3...and were asked to dress as their favorite Toy Story character. As you can tell, we have a Little Bo Peep, a toy soldier, and Barbie....and they insisted their chaperone dress up as well - so Barbie had a hot date with Ken. (This is one of the many reasons we love him...he's up for ANYTHING!) Nice Ascot!

Tarzan - The Musical

2010-06-22T20:05:00.004-06:00

Probably THE highlight of our St. George trip was seeing Tarzan in the outdoor theatre at Tuachan. (The only place it has ever been shown off of Broadway.) We splurged for front row seats which was totally worth it because the beginning of the show starts with a shipwreck and tons and tons of water came rolling straight towards us and the drains were literally inches from our feet. We even got a little wet! The show didn't start until 8:00 p.m. so we swam early and napped the kids late and everyone was well behaved and totally engaged in the show. Such a fun night!

Summer Kick-Off in St. George

2010-06-21T09:08:00.006-06:00

The last couple of summers we have experienced some chilly June days. If felt like as soon as the kids were let out of school, we'd end up kicking off the summers indoors. Boo! This June, we decided to trump that idea all together and headed down to St. George for a WARM summer kick off like no other. The week after school was over, we hit the highway southbound. We swam every day at the pool, played pickleball, football, and found a new waterpark. We wanted WARM and we got HOT! Long live summer!

Oh What do you do in the Summertime?

2010-06-17T06:56:00.001-06:00

Read books in a tree?

We heart Catalog Living

2010-06-15T19:38:00.003-06:00

"Gary, we were having such a lovely afternoon with the Andersons until you decided you just had to show off your string ball."

You MUST start following Gary and Elaine's adventures in Catalog Living...Hilarity under every picture.

Oh! To be a Kid Again...

2010-06-12T17:30:00.000-06:00

Sixth Grade Promotion

2010-06-07T15:16:00.047-06:00

Kalli had a 1940s theme promotion (graduation) theme from Bonneville Elementary School. Honestly, I can't believe I started her there 7 years ago as a cute little kindergardener. Where has my little girl gone? After their smashing program full of songs and dances from the 40s, and a personalized slide show highlighting each of the 6th grade students (forever long!) - we thought we'd make the day extra special for our girl. Waiting outside after her cast party was a cherry red (rental - of course) Mini Cooper for an afternoon full of fun. We drove around the neighborhood with the top down honking and celebrating and then took it for multiple spins - even giving the neighborhood kids some celebratory rides. We took the kids to dinner (can you believe we squeezed our entire family into that little thing? double buckling anyone?). Talk about a cheap thrill to make the day feel extra special. The only problem is setting a precedence down the line...now Ella and Max are plotting a car choice for their turn.

So Long Kindergarten

2010-06-03T14:50:00.000-06:00

Absent

2010-06-02T15:42:00.002-06:00

Hello dear friends (blogging and otherwise) and family. I am laughing at myself for feeling like a silly school girl scrambling to think of a more creative excuse than "the dog ate my homework" for my absence here at melt by amr... but the truth is my little belly companion has kept me from doing so much more than just a blog post here and there. January through April were rough! And when I finally began to see the light again this spring, I had so much catching up to do in my life with the kids, the house, my family, and primary...well, let's just say its taken me well into month number 6 to get my feet back under me. Of course, the irony is not lost on me to think that in a mere 15 weeks or so - life as I know it will once again be tossed aside as we welcome our 5th baby in September. We're thrilled, excited, and buzzing at this news (and still little scared and overwhelmed as she came as quite the surprise!)

I'm not quite sure how to go about catching up the last several months ... in fact, I told Bryce that my creative bone must be nestled somewhere near my pelvis where this little one has overtaken all space and made herself at home ... I say this because the last several months have seen little to no creative output. I have not made anything smashing, I've not thrown a great party, and I've nearly given up every outside interest so I could spend some much needed quality one on one time with my couch and my bed - and doing my best to function as the mom and wife my family needs.

So I'll primarily be doing some catch-up posts on the kids ... as this blog has basically turned into somewhat of a family journal anyway. (And if it's not recorded here, it's not recorded anywhere.) If you're interested in taking a peek at what the Roberts have been up to (at least those of us who haven't been busy growing a baby) then scroll down in the next couple of days as I'll be post-dating (closer to their actual dates) a few events here and there. It's good to be back.

Face Painting

2010-04-29T13:27:00.001-06:00

With decent weather only popping up once or twice a week this spring, the kids are taking every advantage with some activities I don't normally let happen indoors. Take for instance, face painting. Kal got the paints out and worked her magic on the kids...and I love this picture progression as she has taken on everyone, and then after seeing how festive everyone else looks, begins transforming herself!

Spring Break 2010 - La Quinta, CA

2010-04-15T12:18:00.002-06:00

My Crew

2010-03-29T10:03:00.001-06:00

Max's Sixth Birthday

2010-03-24T19:49:00.007-06:00

My baby boy turned 6 today and invited his entire Kindergarten class to celebrate with him at Bouncin' Off the Walls. They bounced, played ball, slid on the giant blow up slides and had an all around super - star celebration. We adore this little man and can't believe we've been lucky enough to have him with us for these six short years.

Herbed Sea Salt

2010-03-23T11:11:00.003-06:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I adore the blog Sunday Suppers? It documents a cooking class held in Brooklyn with the most gorgeous pictures of delicious food, impeccable styling, and thoughtful favors. One of my favorite take-homes was a customized sea salt which I decided to replicate for a few of my friends. It's so easy. Just a nice quality sea salt, your favorite fresh herbs or spices, and a cute container to give it in. I've used my roasted garlic and herb sea salt on roasts and loins. So yummy!

Dancing Queen

2010-03-19T17:37:00.000-06:00

While dancing over six hours a week (not including weekend competitions) we have deemed our Kalli girl "dancing queen" - at least of our household. Her dance company did their first round of competitions this spring and never came home with less than a third place - and she's got a shelf full of trophies to prove it! I'm constantly impressed with her dedication and passion for all things related to DANCE!

Junior Jazzer

2010-03-14T13:43:00.003-06:00

Max wrapped up his first season of Jr. Jazz with a bang...he loved every minute of every game. This boy and his sports have added a whole new dimension to our lives - as we have been doing dance and choir route with the girls. He's learning to put that long and lean body to work and is sure he'll be dunking by at least the 3rd grade! Knowing his genetic possibilities, he might not be too far off!

The Walk Home

2010-03-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

I snapped this picture from inside my living room window of my 3 elementary kiddos walking home from school. (I already wrote about my obsession watching them walk to school here.) I don't know what my fascination is with this watching - except that its about as close to "a fly on the wall" as I ever get. I'm really quite smitten with how good they are to each other. While other school mates have found a friend to walk home with, they generally have found each other - and Ella almost always has her arm around Max (like above) or she's holding his latest art project or his backpack for him. Now I won't be entirely gushy and paint an unrealistic picture - there have been times that I see Kal and El literally shove each other around the minute they walk out the door. (And you can believe I've stepped outside and had a word or two to say:) That being said, these three are beyond siblings...they're pals. And I love it that way.

Using those Pipes

2010-02-27T15:11:00.002-07:00

This past week we've been celebrating the pipes on my girls. They have some sweet little voices and have been able to use them to have some incredible experiences. First, Ella's entire third grade class gave an amazing performance to our neighborhood community. Then they had the chance to take a couple of their best songs to the capitol and perform for our governor. Ella sang her solo just a few feet from our state's leaders. (Sorry, no cameras at that one.) Lastly, our girls got to sing in the famous tabernacle on Temple Square during Interfaith Week which celebrates the SLC hosting of the Olympics each year. I'm so proud of my little girls (who aren't so little anymore) and am thrilled they have many chances to share their talents with others.

All images are iPhone pics...not great, but had to do.

14 Years and Still Going Strong...

2010-02-16T14:10:00.002-07:00

You and me together, we can do anything baby.

Valentine Sunday Best

2010-02-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

Valentine Spoils

2010-02-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

We surprised our little Valentines with the "oh so hot" toy of the moment Zsu Zsu pets and their very own hamster house. For some reason, my kids have always been bonkers about animal toys (think Fur Real friends and Webkinz) so I knew this was a slam dunk - packaged with Reeses peanut butter heart (really purchased for the extra two for Bryce and I :) and everyone was set to have a happy heart day.

St. George 2010

2010-02-13T08:41:00.032-07:00

Our favorite place to get away this time of year is St. George to visit Grandma and Grandpa Smiley. We're only slightly jealous that they get to spend their entire winter here in short sleeves, warm weather (it was 65 glorious degrees!) and surrounded by the gorgeous red rocks we love. This year Josie and I left a couple days earlier than the rest of the family to squeeze in an entire week of R and R. Pure Heaven! Once the family arrived (we even had Uncle Dave, Kate and Cody, and Uncle John and Aunt Chris and Mark and Cody) we jam packed in the fun over the holiday weekend including - pickleball, walks with Grandma, hunting for golf balls, swimming and biking. We even took the kids on a "Valentines Date" to In n Out and Percy Jackson. We were a little sad to be making the trek back home to the cold and dreary north for school on Wednesday. Thanks family for such a wonderful week!

I Heart Tumblr

2010-02-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

Before the great crash of '09 (my laptop for those who don't know), I thought I was safely storing all of my favorite photos and inspiration photos in different folders on my computers. Like everything else, all of those were lost so I've basically started from scratch. Enter tumblr. I set up a tumblr blog basically as an online inspiration folder. Remember when a gorgeous catalog used to come out and you'd tear out pages you loved and file them away for later? This is basically what my tumblr is, but better - it takes up virtually no physical space and is quite the visual treat (for me anyway:). Best of all I can share it and it will never disappear. If you're interested in images that inspire me (design, decor, and otherwise) you can visit my tumblr here. And please oh please - set up a tumblr of your own (it is beyond easy!) and then let me know so we can share and swap images. I guarantee you will love it as much as I do.

Valentine Cottages

2010-01-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

If you just plain ran out of time in December to make gingerbread houses (like we did!) Valentine Cottages are the perfect solution. We took a Sunday afternoon and decorated graham crackers houses with all sorts of pink and red candy, cereals, and frosting. I even had some luck finding deeply discounted and very useful mini candy canes and peppermint sticks. It was a sugar high free for all for about an hour. I'm sure even the neighbors could hear us! Everyone built they're cute cottages on white cake stands and they are now on display in the dining room. We had so much fun doing this, we might purposely scoot this tradition right out of December so we can do it again next year.

Hey There Salt Lakers!

2010-01-27T19:09:00.000-07:00

I got my tickets today! Will I see you there?

Dinner Dress Code

2010-01-24T16:47:00.001-07:00

We have no dress code for Sunday dinner (usually it's something warm and cozy - or at the very least comfortable). But something sparked in my silly girls' heads when they found out we were having Indian food this evening. When I called them down to eat, they came down ready to devour some naan and masala looking just like this. I laughed aloud and quickly snapped these pictures. Sadly, Bryce and Max and I felt very underdressed in our own dining room for this occasion. Needless to say, the food wasn't the only spicy part of the evening.

I drive myself CRAZY!

2010-01-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

I wish I could be a "chapter or two a night" kind of reader. My children wouldn't get ignored, my laundry wouldn't pile up, and I might actually cook something decent and healthy for my family. I would just climb into bed around 9 p.m. and read for an hour or so and then pick it up again the next night. Isn't this what most normal people do? Instead, for 1-3 days (and nights - depending on the book) I completely engross myself in a book, devour it, laugh, cry, wheeze and finish. I only do what is actually required of me - but nothing above and beyond (chicken nuggets, here we come!) Luckily, this only happens if the book happens to be a good one - but if it's a REALLY good one (like the latest above) I'm devastated to be done and a totally irritated at myself for devouring instead of savoring. In order for life to go back to normal, I have to take around a 2-3 week hiatus before I start the cycle again. So, with a heavy heart, I'm off to start my first load of whites.

DIY Cupcake Stands

2010-01-22T09:13:00.003-07:00

Remember our neighborhood service auction? This year I decided to try another cupcake themed item. (What is it with me? You'd think I'd be over this obsession by now.) I've been seeing these cute diy cake stands all over the place. They are made from plates as the top - and candlesticks as the base. So when I went to the thrift store to acquire my goods, I was giddy when I found these white square cocktail plates and these small crystal candlesticks. After they've been washed and dried thoroughly, a little epoxy (and 24 hours to set) is all it takes to stick them together and transform them into cupcake pedestals. I added a few red and pink ribbons to gussy them up for Valentines day. And of course, a red velvet cupcake and paper lollipop as a cupcake topper. I thought they turned out pretty cute. Watch out friends! These are so delightful to make, I might be making these for all of you this year!

Things I miss about 2009

2010-01-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

1.Warm weather (Hyatt Huntington Beach)

2. Jim and Pam's Wedding

3. Diet Pomegranate 7-Up - why is it released only during the holidays?

4. Le Grande Orange in Phoenix - yum

5. 11:00 a.m. church

6. DJ Dance Parties under the stars - we've gotta do it again this summer!

7. Taking a break in the shade with my sisters by Tom Sawyer's famous fence right on the Mississippi River

8. Having a one year old - she's growing up too darn fast!

9. Watching our friends and family and neighborhood rally around my kids as they worked so hard to earn money to buy Kalli a new bike after hers was stolen after only 2 days.

10. Being one year younger...bring on the anti-wrinkle cream!

Did I miss anything?

A Look Back: Christmas Day Highlights

2010-01-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

The kids woke up and sang carols at the top of the stairs while mommy and daddy made sure Santa had indeed come - and they came racing down the stairs to find their loot. Kalli was pleased as punch with her iPod karaoke, and ugly doll, and some new ds games. Ella wouldn't stop snapping pictures of her new American Girl doll Kit with her new Hello Kitty Camera. Max was so thrilled with his skis he slept with them that night - and Miss Josie Faye (our girliest girl yet) couldn't stop showing off her princesses and their pretty "gip goss" lips. We played and played and went sledding at the golf course, read some of our new books and watched a movie - and of course ate like kings. We feel abundantly blessed to enjoy and celebrate our Savior's birth while surrounded by our family in a warm home with more to be grateful for each and every year. Merry Christmas 2009.

A Look Back: Christmas Eve 2009

2010-01-13T12:42:00.007-07:00

Christmas Eve is always spent at home with our own family. We have a lovely little meal by candlelight of appetizers and finger food and then we host a special family program where everyone prepares a talent to share. Some read a poem, or draw a picture, or sing a song...This year included an orchestra of recorders and pots and pans - simply glorious on the ears. Then we conclude the program with the children acting out the Christmas story while Bryce reads it from the bible.

This year my two sweet girls made advertisement posters and pasted them all around the house (including the bathrooms). I thought they were so cute. The poster reads:

"Come to a concert December 24 in the living room."

Of course, the night wouldn't be complete without opening the first presents - jammies from Grammy and Paca, then setting out a spread tasty enough to entice Santa and his reindeer to leave us just maybe one extra present. The kids set up the girls' bedroom for a big slumber party, climb in their beds, and eagerly anticipate the morning.

A Look Back: Christmas Outfits 2009

2010-01-12T22:41:00.004-07:00

My motto this past year has been PEACE.

This quote has stared at me and comforted and reminded me all year long from my bulletin board:

Peace.

It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work.

It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.

Even peaceful styles and colors have infiltrated my home and our wardrobes this year. Far away from my usual "Sunday shoutfits" (remember last year?) this year I was really inspired by the gorgeous Olive Juice Holiday catalog and its calm and serene palates. For the children's christmas outfits, I borrowed from those beautiful icy, wintry, and PEACEFUL looks and here's what I came up with. Pretty and simple, no?

A Look Back: Holiday Goodies

2010-01-12T21:51:00.006-07:00

I know I'm not the only one who fell over backwards when I discovered IKEA's amazing Christmas packaging this year. I've got an especially soft spot for anything elf or gnome related so these little wooden guys had me at hello. Here's how I put together a few goodies for some friends. (The pots are simple glass containers I bought from Roberts). I can't wait to see what IKEA comes up with next year. (psst: There is a catch. You have to be willing to buy Christmas goods in October, when they are released in stores - because their holiday goods have been known to sell out in a week or so.) I already miss the busy kitchen creativity that Christmas is known to pull out of us. I have two words: Valentines Day. Is your brain churning yet?

A Look Back: Breakfast at Kalli's

2010-01-12T17:09:00.003-07:00

We had 20 or so of her friends over for a bright and early breakfast party on the morning of Saturday, December 12. I lost count of the number of crepes we went through - although I know it was over one hundred. Some of those hungry boys ate ten each!

We are so proud of our girl. She is so bright, fun, responsible, and kind. Or as her sixth grade teacher calls her "a dreamboat girl." Bryce and I couldn't have asked for a better "first" child. She is such a forgiving guinea pig of our jumbled attempts at parenting and a soaring example to her little brother and sisters. Many days she's my right arm. I'll find her stepping in to feed the kids, read with Max, or help Ella with piano - often when I'm making a poor attempt at all three at once! We are excited about the bright future that lies ahead for this one.

Happy 12th Kal! We love you!

Twenty Ten

2010-01-05T14:27:00.006-07:00

The Christmas boxes are all put away (new storage boxes for a new attic in new garage for a new year...yipee!)...and it's been almost a month since I've paid any amount of attention to my blog. I don't have to tell any of you how busy December gets...but for me, this year was particularly packed. I hope to do a quick re-cap today in order to get some of my favorite December photos posted, but here's a quick rundown of the months highlights (and lowlights...unfortunately there were plenty of those.)

Sixteen days of blissful holiday vacation - skiing, caroling, baking, singing, and sledding and so much more when you have over half a month off from school and the daddy doesn't leave the state one time!
My first year in charge of our neighborhood nativity pageant. Lots of work - lots of payoff. There is nothing sweeter nor more humbly attuned to what the holidays are all about.
My oldest turned 12! I still can't believe "I'M" that old!
My computer's hard drive crashed. BOO! I lost everything from the last year. It's at it's third "doctor" appointment hoping for any amount of retrieval. Back up those drives folks! My Mac Time Capsule wasn't backing up my information and I am still totally devastated.
Visits from both sets of grandparents brightened our holidays and couldn't have tickled the kids anymore.
I was hit in my suv by a drunk driver. No one was injured - but my car has seen better days. I've been driving a rental for nearly a week while new doors and parts are being ordered. It was so surreal to watch the driver take (and fail) all the sobriety tests and be carted off to jail. We felt like we were in a scary movie. As we watched him get handcuffed Max peeped out from the back seat, "Why do people do wrong things?"
Preparing the primary (our church's children's organization) for 2010 was nothing short of all-consuming. New teaching manuals, class lists, birthday presents, classroom assignments, and last minute budget spending had me working up right up until we cried "Happy New Year"! The three women I've had helping me since our first day (November 1) are truly worker bees with loving hearts and serving souls.
The girls have been singing with the Salt Lake Children's choir so we spent a great deal of the month traveling around the city watching them perform. If you want to see pictures, check out Bryce's flickr page. My favorite performance was in the beautiful Cathedral of the Madeleine. It was reviewed by the Deseret News here.
My favorite camera lens broke (will no longer focus.) So the question is to repair or to upgrade? Is it worth repairing? Any of you had this same problem?

Stay tuned for a few pictures. I'm back and more than happy to be posting. (If I hadn't been posting my favorite photos throughout the year, I would have nothing from the amr crash of 2009. I'm so grateful my blog was up and running and updated fairly regularly so I at least a few documented photos from the year.) Hope your 2010 is off to a great start.

Green....

2009-12-08T17:32:00.003-07:00

...with envy. There is just a little part of me that wants to live Bryce's life: Palm trees last week...famous Rockefeller trees this week. Bah humbug!

The Happiest Place on Earth...Again

2009-12-08T13:19:00.002-07:00

I honestly can't believe I'm doing another Disneyland post. But yes, we did it...AGAIN! Grammy and Paca came and we met our sweet Arizona cousins for a few days of pure Disney bliss. There is nothing on earth like Disneyland in December. If you want an idea of how the kids felt, take a look at Max in the picture with Mickey. We're laughing at that still! (He had just conquered California Screamin' and was so proud!) What a way to kick off December. Thanks Mickey!

Thanksgiving recap

2009-12-06T20:02:00.002-07:00

We didn't go over any rivers...or through any woods for that matter. But we did drive through plenty of cactus fields to Grammy and Paca's. It's always a treat to be in a place where you can spend half of Thanksgiving day swimming - and the other half eating. Now were back to temperatures in the teens - brrrr! but loving our December days singing in choir concerts, preparing for our annual neighborhood Nativity program, lunching and exchanging gifts with friends, cozying up by the fireplace, and addressing Christmas cards. I love the holidays!

Thanksgiving by amr

2009-11-24T09:24:00.003-07:00

Tangled and True is one of my favorite (and first) blogs to follow - so how excited was I when she decided to feature her readers' Thanksgiving ideas? Check out my guest post on her blog today. Thanks Brittany - and a happy holiday to everyone!

Patterned Paper Place Mats

2009-11-23T21:12:00.000-07:00

*Image via Paper Source

If you have a big crowd coming for dinner and don't have enough matching table settings, here's a quick trick that can really pull your look together: scrapbook paper. For less than $1 each you can place a square 12x12 piece of paper under your place setting in any color or pattern you can dream up. It's just paper, but you will be amazed how much spark it adds to your table.

Gifting Time Savers

2009-11-22T09:02:00.001-07:00

I'm all for time savers this holiday season so I've been perusing Etsy for some personalized tags for our gifting goodies. These simple black and cream with jute are topping my list. You can find them here.

It's been sparse around here lately...

2009-11-19T18:25:00.003-07:00

...and here is the main reason why. I've been starring in a major role since late September. It's called "Stage Mom." And last night the big production went down. My girl Kalli was Portia in Shakepeare's "The Merchant of Venice." Of course I'm going to say she was wonderful, magnificent, and beautiful. Because I'm her proud mom - and she was.

Story Deli

2009-11-11T18:43:00.004-07:00

School house tables, vintage mirrors, cardboard stools, and chalkboard menus. Not to mention the yummiest organic pizzas with the craziest toppings. It's been about 7 weeks since we've eaten there (right off Brick Lane in London) and I'm craving to get back. Who's coming with me?

Halloween 2009

2009-11-09T14:20:00.004-07:00

Our Halloween celebration consisted of one elementary school Halloween parade, three classroom Halloween parties, two soccer games, two piano concerto recitals, one neighborhood chili party, and of course two entirely separate rounds of trick or treating. It was a blast but also utterly exhausting. Mix that busy cocktail up with nursing kids back to health (who really shouldn't have been trick or treating in the first place) and the results are this: 1. Halloween decoration coming down 8 days too late 2. Pictures posted 8 days too late 3. One sick mommy who didn't get out of bed for two days

Is it Thanksgiving yet?

Oh Gourdy!

2009-11-03T12:50:00.003-07:00

I know! I know! Halloween is over...but I just had to share. It's no secret I LOVE my Jeni Gochnour Gourds. In fact, at a recent party I hosted - a few guests wanted a house tour. Funny enough, it eventually turned into a gourd tour. I was kind of dying that I had so many to show. Now to the fun part - Jeni saw the picture I posted of my living room and posted it on her blog! You can check it out here. If you haven't been to one of her shows, be sure to put her Christmas show on your calendar. It's one of my favorite holiday art shows of the year.

It's Looking Awfully Spooky Around Here...

2009-10-30T21:56:00.001-06:00

I Can't Wait...

2009-10-29T14:32:00.004-06:00

...to show the girls the perfect accessory I stumbled upon (at another one of my favorite haunts :) for them to wear to jazz class tonight. They've been learning the dance to Thriller during October and tonight's class will be the Thriller finale. How fun will it be to show up with this on? Thank you Tar-Jay!

Something's Gotta Give

2009-10-21T21:27:00.001-06:00

*Image of my favorite house in one of my favorite movies as per listed above...

I'm finally just coming up for a breath from nearly a month of my life running me versus me running my life. I'm hoping this choke-hold I've got on it this week will last for a bit and slow down this beast known as our schedule. When life gets this crazy - something's gotta give ... and it's not only been my blog. In all the madness, however, there have been many shining moments and that's what I'd like to share and what I hope you'd like to hear (rather than what's been making me pull my hair out.)

1. On October 10th, a special little girl at our house celebrated her 9th birthday. It was a Saturday so the whole day was dedicated to indulging her - including soccer games, shopping, burgers and shakes with Grammy and Paca, a chocolate cake with a rainbow (her specific request) and topping the night off with a 3-d movie in Paca's theater. (Have I mentioned before that friend birthday parties only happen on "even" numbered birthdays? Love that.)

2. Kalli has been cast as Portia in "The Merchant of Venice" for her 6th grade play. We've been waking up early to attend 7:15 a.m. play practices and memorizing lines. She's amazes me every day. Keeping up with that girl's schedule is a full time job in and of itself!

3. Max is a boy with a sweet and sensitive heart. We had Monday off of school and we drove by a different elementary school that was having recess. (With the windows rolled up, of course) the girls and I laughed and teased, "You have school...and we don't...na na...na na...na." Max didn't participate in the teasing and with a fornlorn look on his face he said, "Aww those poor kids shouldn't have to go to school if we don't have to." Needless to say, we all melted and stopped our teasing immeditately. :)

His "sweet" does have a limit, however. After an afternoon matinee watching Aladdin with the girls, I asked him what he thought of the movie. Without hesitation he said, "Too much kissing."

4. I was in charge of a dinner for the faculty of our elementary school during parent/teacher conference night. I had most of it catered, but did make a little treat for each of them myself. I bet you can guess what these are. Think chocolate. I swear I'm never making them again!

5. We've been working hard on our primary program (which was last Sunday...whew!) and I love every minute I get to spend with the kids in my ward. Honestly, I do! I treat them much like I treat my own children. If they do particularly well on a song (I'm chorister, remember?) I praise them upside down and inside out and sometimes even surprise them with a treat. If the song is well...not so good...I'm honest. And we try it again. After one particular song that was only "so-so" I told them, "On a scale of 1 to 10, it was about a 3." One cute boy from the front row said to me, "Sister Roberts, you are the Simon of Primary Idol." I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

6. I spent one lovely night last week indulging myself in a little birthday shopping spree at a couple of my favorite stores. I told Bryce he is lucky I consider "a couple of my favorite stores" TJ Maxx and Ikea.

7. Bryce had a couple weeks worth of sick days when he came down with bacterial pneumonia. On the bright side, it wasn't the swine flu.

8. Ella has been obsessed with this song lately. I don't know why...but she won't stop singing it. I can't help but smile and sing along.

9. And speaking of music, here's another funny one. Josie fell asleep in the car on the way home from my sister's house. I knew it was all the nap she would get that day so I decided to pull into the garage, turn off the car, and let her sleep for another 20 minutes or so in her car seat. I left the radio on to mask the noise of the garage door closing and the car door open so I could hear her the minute she woke up. After about 10 minutes, I checked on her...still sleeping. Another ten minutes went by...still sleeping. A few more minutes passed and I went to check on her and sure enough, she was awake. Not crying, as I suspected she might be after waking up in the car alone. No - she was singing. This song! Down. Down. Down. Down. Down. I'm still laughing about it.

10. And lastly, you'll never guess what amazing invention I've been parading around the house this week. It keeps me warm and amazingly enough, it keeps my hands free to do what I need. Are you stumped?

Yes, the kids got me a Snuggie for my birthday. Naturally, they want to be assured how much I adore it and insist I wear it each and every time I sit down. I'm sure Bryce had no hand in it whatsoever. It's currently the single most loved item in the Roberts' household. If you've ever wanted to see or touch one in real life, come on over and take it for a spin.

P.S.
On a completely unrelated and yet related tangent, did you know the "Something's Gotta Give" house has been for sale for year or so? Check it out on the Sotheby's Real Esate Section here. Don't get too excited, though. I'm pretty sure I'll find the house key in my stocking from Santa this year ;)

Extracurricular activities: Long Weekend Edition

2009-10-02T19:16:00.004-06:00

No school at our house for the last two days which have made for a lovely long weekend. When I asked the kids what they would like to do to fill the extra time, the suggestions included 1. going to a movie 2. baking 3. setting up Halloween decorations 4. thrifting at the D.I. and 5. playing board games. I had to chuckle at my little girlie clones - their ideas matched up with mine just perfectly. Poor Max puts up with us mostly because he has to. (Luckily, Daddy rescued him midday and they built marble towers and then went to play soccer at the park.) We're happy to report that we've accomplished everything on our list and its not even Saturday! Here's a glance at the baking portion of our weekend thus far. We even put some of our prettier ones on display under a glass dome on our Halloween candy table. Happy Weekend.

Oh, and if you love cupcakes like we do - run - don't walk to your local Target to pick yourself up the Wilton cupcake decorator tube. It just doesn't get any better.

Tonight

2009-10-01T13:09:00.000-06:00

I'm thinking of cozying up to a piping hot bowl of this.

The Loot

2009-09-30T23:59:00.003-06:00

Don't you love to pick out that perfect little find to bring back to your kids from vacation? After countless shops and markets (oh you know I loved every minute of it) here is what I brought home for my little lovelies. Top to bottom - Kalli to Josie. Click to enlarge.

The Tube

2009-09-28T04:21:00.004-06:00

This is my third trip to London and I finally feel as if I mastered the tube! (Don't mind me, I'm a bit slow...) The city really has opened up now that I feel there is no place I can't get to (and more importantly, get back home!) I learned this in Paris last year, and having said that this would be my (rather obvious) number one tip to anyone traveling to Europe. If you can digest the public transport, you'll be able to navigate the city so much more efficiently. Today, I don't even have Bryce to slow me down :) (meetings all day.) So I'm off to finish the trip with a day's outing to Fortnum and Mason, the London Transport museum, and the National Gallery - maybe Covent Garden if I can squeeze it in. Cheers to all back home. Love to my babies. See you tomorrow night.

Desprookjeskamer - The Fairytale and Polka Dot Shop

2009-09-24T14:23:00.004-06:00

Amsterdam is shopping heaven. Yes, yes it is culturally and historically rich and the canals are fascinating and beautiful. Van Gogh, Anne Frank, and bicycles in every possible fashion. But oh I have found so many shops that are uniquely Dutch with style and dripping with sweet. Just one example is this sweet little shop I stumbled upon...little girl and mama heaven. And a few more to drool about...Didi, Hema (I got loads of party supplies here), and hoping to stop here tomorrow before we hop another flight. Oh how I wish the dollar were stronger and the bags had no weight limits. I'd bring back some more for myself and of course some more for you. Cheers.

Today I'm...

2009-09-20T20:24:00.007-06:00

digging up my passport
gathering a stack of reading materials to take for over 17 hours of travel time. Do you think three books is enough?
dotting the i's and crossing the t's of my three page instruction/schedule document for my dear dear mother-in-law who will be holding down the fort for the next week or so
giving multiple pep talks to the offspring regarding following rules and being good for grammy
giving good night and goodbye kisses...and wiping away a few tears.
hoping I can buy whatever I forgot to pack

Rise and Shout

2009-09-19T15:48:00.002-06:00

Going down to Cougar town for the first home game of the season...not at all excited.

Oh snap!

2009-09-18T12:04:00.000-06:00

Isn't it fun to have a toddler in the house who's mind and mouth can be manipulated to say pretty much whatever the older sisters want her to say? We've been cracking up at this one - particularly when her timing is spot on. Imagine how funny this little sassy statement is right after I've chewed out (err...gently reprimanded) one of the children for less than appropriate behavior.

Right Around the Corner

2009-09-14T10:42:00.005-06:00

In between making signs and cheering on B this weekend, the kids and I went to the library to stock up on Halloween goodies. You know - library goodies like books, dvds, and cds. Our library has a check out policy of three weeks so going early insured us a nice selection that will last us well into October. Many of our favorite story characters (the Berenstein Bears, Clifford, even Charlie and Lola) have a sweet Halloween story to share. So be sure to add the library to your "to do" list this week in order to not miss out on some spooky bedtime stories that will add to the Halloween spirit at your house this year.

My Favorite Lotoja Photo

2009-09-14T10:34:00.003-06:00

image via Dave

To hear what Bryce has to say about his Lotoja experience, click here. To see a few more photos, click here.

For B

2009-09-12T20:06:00.006-06:00

Today I am in awe of my husband.

Just a couple of days ago he found out about an open spot in the infamous Lotoja bike race and his mind was immediately set on competing. He didn't have to try hard to convince my brother Dave (an experienced racer himself) to be his support crew. They put their heads together, came up with a plan, multiple lists, a schedule and they were off. This was Bryce's first race. Ever. He has been a mountain biker ever since I've known him (one of our first dates in fact :) but only took up road biking this spring. He didn't officially train (though he rides 20-50 miles faithfully nearly every morning). He's never even done a century (100 miles). But today he slayed 206 miles, three states (UT, ID, WY) and a total elevation gain of 9738 feet in approximately 12 hours.

Since everything happened so fast - we weren't able to make arrangement for the family to come. But you can bet the kids and I were cheering him on from home all day. We followed the map and checked in at every feed zone stop and then made up signs depicting how many miles he had left. We are beyond proud of this determined, persistent, and strong man.

Her Loss, My Gain

2009-09-11T12:28:00.003-06:00

We're about a week into Kindergarten and so much has happened for my little guy already. If you were dying to know, here's the latest dish: After finding a new girlfriend and then having his heart broken the next day - Max decides its best to keep me as his one and only true love. (His words.) Listen close - do you hear it? Yep, drip drop - that's my heart melting all over again. Happy Weekend.

One more thing

2009-09-10T13:36:00.004-06:00

If I was going to give these as a little treat to my friends or neighbors, wouldn't I be so clever if I wrapped some twine around the jar and attached one of these sweet little wooden spoons on sale here?

Cake in a Jar

2009-09-10T13:00:00.005-06:00

The kids are back in school and with my teensy amount of extra free time all I want to do is create. Somehow I had to let that side of my brain turn off when the summer camp counselor mom took its place for the last 3 months. It hasn't been but a couple of weeks since school began and I've already found myself up to my eyeballs in projects. I'm currently working on an art and photography collage wall in the family room, prepping the Halloween decos, having window seat cushions made, and of course cooking! I've been dying to try these cakes in a jar. Such a fun outdoor dinner party dessert or neighbor treat, don't you think? Just grab a spoon and eat it right out of the jar! Sadly, mine aren't nearly as adorable as Angry Chicken's, but I think next time I'll try the half pint jars simply for the cute effect. This one was poppyseed - but I imagine you could use any cake recipe you love. (Just don't fill it more than halfway. I learned this the hard way:)

We spent our laboring day...

2009-09-08T19:39:00.006-06:00

...with a few of our favorite cousins by day.....
...and a few of our favorite rock stars by night...

A perfect finale to an absolutely awesome summer.

Spotted at bryc3

2009-09-08T11:00:00.003-06:00

Trying to decide which is funnier: this video or watching my kids watch this video.

Be Still My Beating Heart

2009-09-01T14:40:00.000-06:00

My baby boy just started Kindergarten.

The Rest of the Story

2009-08-31T20:23:00.002-06:00

And being a brother isn't half bad either.

Sisters

2009-08-31T08:27:00.001-06:00

"How wide and sweet and wild sisterhood can be."

Dorothy Knows Best

2009-08-27T11:27:00.011-06:00

*image via flickr

My favorite kind of days are the ones when I just stay home ... when I choose to "forget" that the library books are overdue and that Max needs a haircut and new shoelaces before he starts school. The ones when I ignore the small farm of food pieces under the bar after breakfast or the piles of post-vacation laundry that need to be folded - and instead I chat on the phone with a girlfriend or my mom - or bake and clean (fun cleaning, you know - like wiping out cupboards). The best days are when the little ones are underfoot and I'm fielding silly questions like "Are "Pink Lady" apples really girls?" I have a hundred errands that aren't running themselves, twenty seven pieces of mail to sort through, nine rooms that desperately need some attention, and two little kids who still need to be dressed. But I don't care - cause we're home. And there's no place like it.

I Interupt This Regulary Scheduled Vacation Post...

2009-08-25T22:02:00.004-06:00

...to present:

"First Day of School 2009-2010"

What I learned at Disneyland : August 09 Edition

2009-08-24T20:19:00.014-06:00

1. Disneyland in August is reserved for only crazies - yes, we were six of them.
2. If you plan your entire day around fastpasses, you'll be surprised how much riding you can get done.
3. Sadly, all wishes made in the wishing well don't come true (Ella informed me this morning that she isn't surprised her pony hasn't showed up...)
4. If you ride the Mickey Carousel right after Grizzly Rapids, the breeze quickly dries you up.
5. Magic Mornings are so worth getting up early for...we got in nearly 10 rides before 8 a.m.
6. Not ALL two year olds love Winnie the Pooh.
7. Even if you have all the insider strategical information available on Midway Mania, Bryce is still unbeatable.
8. In three separate trips, we've graduated from a hotel off-site, to the Disneyland Hotel, to the Grand Californian. After much debate and discussion amongst all Roberts' offspring and the two parental Roberts...the Disneyland Hotel wins.
9. Three days is a'plenty.
10. It's a Small World After All (is still the best ride EVER!)

Our Not So Terrible Two Year Old...

2009-08-15T21:33:00.007-06:00

... had a birthday.
... dressed up like a princess.
... ate a coconut cupcake. (Mom chose it, because it was white. Can you blame me?)
... kept on her darling new felt crown.
... screamed until she got a bite of Max's cupcake (She's two, remember?)
... gave kisses all around
... learned to shout, "It's my birthday!"
... left her dad and I a bit wistful after we tucked in our baby, who's not so much a baby anymore

Tweets and Links

2009-08-13T18:37:00.004-06:00

I say potAto...you say potato.
I say concerto...she says "Daylight?"

To get a kick out of Kalli's latest musical obsession and her tweet about it, click here.

Then if you're wondering who the heck Matt and Kim are, click here.

(I dig her taste in music - she gets it from her dad).

Matt looks a little like Jimmy Fallon, don't you think?

And now since I'm talking Jimmy Fallon, have you ever seen the Dave Matthews GPS skit? Hilarity. Check it out here.

Cookie of the Week

2009-08-11T22:01:00.006-06:00

We tried out a bar cookie recipe this week. By the end of the day the entire pan was gone so I consider them a success (yes we shared, but only a few...). These would be perfect to pack in the kids' school lunch because they're homey and hearty. Another one to add to the files.

Squirrel Bars
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/3 c. butter
3/4 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. flour (shhh...don't tell the fam, but I used 100% wheat flour to add a little whole grain.)
1 tsp. baking powder
6 oz. chocolate chips

Mix together first four ingredients. Add eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour and baking powder. Spread mixture in a greased 9"x13" pan. Sprinkle chips on top. Bake 3 minutes at 350 degrees. Take out and marbleize. Return to oven for another 25-30 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.

Buzzin'

2009-08-11T21:42:00.004-06:00

Just ticking down our summertime fun list as the summer days are quickly ticking down themselves. We went to a Bees game with a big group of neighbors and friends and just had a ball....err a bat. Yep, that's the bat the Ella won in the raffle. Can you tell she's thrilled? As my kids would say, "Good Times."

Cousin Lovin'

2009-08-10T15:27:00.007-06:00

Although we miss the regularly scheduled playdates and after school meet-ups with friends during the summer, we love the freedom from schedules that allows us to spend time with our family - both far and near. This summer we've spent fun filled days with nearly all of our cousins, even the ones from Seattle, Arizona, and Colorado! So to all of our cousins that we've played with this summer...thanks for the fun Brinley, Ashton, Kendyl, Cougar, Russell, Zachary, Andrew, Daniel, Ellie, Morgan, Alyx, Maddi, Mykal, Judd, Renn, Lyric, Merika, Terra, Ramsey, Paisley, Danna, Luke, Brooklyn, Kate, Andi, Dave, Cody, Mark, Abbey, Jane, and Lily. We love you all. Oh the joys of a large family!

My Father-in-Law Swears all Canadians Love Peas

2009-08-05T22:12:00.002-06:00

I'm not so sure about that...but if this is their idea of beautiful design, send me packing! For more pea-liscious design, check out the Canadian House and Home website.

Hello Yellow

2009-08-04T13:26:00.003-06:00

I love a great punch of color in any room. In my living room it's orange...in my bedroom its hot pink. I've been wanting a yellow bookcase for my family room for just such a punch. And I'm kinda digging these mobile steel bookcases actually meant for a classroom and available only (at least from what I've found) from school suppliers. The price is right too. Whaddya think?

Dear Mr. Shatner:

2009-08-02T22:05:00.008-06:00

It was nice doing business with you.
xoxo, amr

($99/night on Priceline...wanna a steal on a 4 star hotel?
e-mail me for the deets)

Viva La STAYCATION

2009-07-29T11:48:00.005-06:00

The kids went to Grammy and Paca's (thank you!) while Bryce was in NYC on business which left me to spend two days doing nothing but my own luxurious agenda, which included:

*shopping for new lipgloss and mascara
*pedicure
*decorating the basement bathroom
*salad from Costa Vida
*leisurely browsing at my favorite boutiques...Four and Twenty Sailors, Hip and Humble, Paisley Pomegranate, and Children's Hour
*jewelry making
*Target, of course
*organizing the laundry room (yuck, I know - but needed to get done)
*reading "7 Habits for Highly Effective Families"
*enjoying the silence :)

The family is back home (let the love and chaos resume!) and thus my staycation has come to a close. I hope I used my time wisely. What would YOU do with two days to yourself?

Magnolia Bakery's Second Most Famous Dessert

2009-07-27T14:32:00.003-06:00

...is simple to create, amazing to admire, and delectable to devour.

Recipe from More From Magnolia by Allysa Torey

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups ice cold water
1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix (preferably Jell-O brand)
3 cups heavy cream
1 (12-ounce) box Nabisco Nilla Wafers
4 cups sliced ripe bananas

In a small bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat together the sweetened condensed milk and water until well combined, about 1 minute. Add the pudding mix and beat well, about 2 minutes more. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight, before continuing. It is very important to allow the proper amount of time for the pudding mixture to set.
In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the pudding mixture into the whipped cream until well blended and no streaks of pudding remain.
To assemble the dessert, select a large, wide bowl (preferably glass) with a 4-5-quart capacity. Arrange one-third of the wafers to cover the bottom of the bowl, overlapping if necessary, then one-third of the bananas and one-third of the pudding. Repeat the layering twice more, garnishing with additional wafers or wafer crumbs on the top layer of the pudding. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours – or up to 8 hours, but no longer! – before serving.

And the Answer is...

2009-07-24T00:00:00.000-06:00

...homemade butter (shaken by the hunnies of course). Yes, that's how we decided to celebrate the upcoming holiday; by making Pioneer Whole Wheat bread in our Kitchen Aid and slathering it with fresh butter. Yum! We threw a couple pioneer songs into mix and felt quite festively proud of ourselves. Happy 24th of July!

Can you guess...

2009-07-23T16:46:00.007-06:00

...what these four hunnies are doing so vigorously to the
contents of this jar?

What, no Esprit bag?

2009-07-21T13:42:00.008-06:00

I'm not much of a back to school shopper for two reasons.

1. It's still SO hot here in the end of August...the kids wear their summer clothes to school easily through September.
2. Admittedly, I'm a "year-round" shopper...so its not as if our closets are empty when the school year begins ;)

But I can tell the older these darling girls of mine get, the more specific their wants are becoming. Instead of "new jeans" its "new skinny jeans". Instead of a new tee or two - its a new Beatles tee. I decided to limit Kalli's requests to 3-5 new items to start the school year with and here is what she came up with. Yes, that's right. This is what my SIXTH grader came up with. It seems so much more sophisticated than the Esprit bag I had to have to start my sixth grade year.

TODAY

2009-07-20T14:07:00.009-06:00

Outside my window...hammer hammer; bang bang; buzz buzz. The workers are steadily making progress on our new garage. Can't wait to have a place to park bikes next summer and cars this winter. Simple pleasures.

I am thinking...how much I've enjoyed taking a few minutes each morning BEFORE the kids wake up to gather myself and my thoughts - to meditate and pray. It's been easier to allow myself this time in the summer when the kids are extra tired and sleeping in a little longer.

I am thankful for...a brain FULL and a heart FULL of summertime memories with my kids.

From the kitchen...nothing since Saturday. I made cake pops as part of the centerpieces for Christina's surprise birthday party and haven't wanted to set foot in the kitchen since. Thankfully the fam ate Sunday dinner with Grammy and Paca; I think I'll swindle Bryce into grilling fish tonight.

I am wearing...workout clothes - at 2:56 in the afternoon. I opted to take Kalli to another Apple Camp session instead of the gym this morning so I haven't worked out yet. Hoping to get the gym before sundown.

I am creating...a list of ideas on how to celebrate our Utah pioneer heritage this week. The 24th of July (this Friday) is a huge holiday here in Utah and is the very date we celebrate the settling of this beautiful valley we call home.

I am going...to swim lessons this evening with Max. One of my favorite ways to wind down a summer day: ask Bryce and the girls to clean up dinner while I go one on one with my favorite five year old.

I am reading...a few newspaper clippings I recieved from my mom last week in the mail. She has been doing this for 15 years - since I first moved away from home. The topics vary from child rearing to the latest herbal mosquito bite remedy. They usually come complete with highlighted sections and her personal comments hand written in between the columns. I don't know if she knows how much I treasure them. (I love them mom - keep them coming!)

I am hoping...for a wardrobe "crisis" like Bryce is experiencing. Nothing in his closet fits him anymore since he went a got all skinny. Hence the reason I'm still in my workout clothes I suppose. :)

I am hearing...Novela in A minor - pianist Kalli Jensen Roberts

Around the house...dress-ups are everywhere. We had some serious wins at the D.I. (local thrift store) last week and the kids have dressed up as everything from oompa loompas to Sharpay Evans. Need to kill a bored summer afternoon? Head to your local thrift store and let your imaginations take over.

One of my favorite things...friends. These are just a few of them; but they are ALL wonderful, beautiful, kind, generous, talented, and amazing. I have the BEST friends.

A few plans for the rest of the week...shopping for a birthday gift, another Apple camp (that makes 3!), Discovery Gateway, our favorite neighborhood BBQ of the year, laundry laundry laundry, greeting one of our favorite cousins at the airport after not seeing her for 1 1/2 years!

Now dear blogging friends...its your turn. What does TODAY look like for you?

Who is that?

2009-07-19T20:43:00.003-06:00

Things got a little crazy at my friend Christina's 40th birthday party last night...I turned around and this guy was table dancing.

Guess where Kalli and I are today?

2009-07-16T11:13:00.004-06:00

I'm blogging this from the Apple store. iPhotos to come later...
*Update: check out my flickr for pics