RUSH with my "drummer boy"

As part of the "mama/son" date series this summer, I offered Brenden a night at a concert of his choice.  The choices were Jack Johnson, RUSH, and Men at Work.  It was a no-brainer for him.  Much to my dismay, RUSH won.  I have never been a RUSH fan.  They are a band I used to loathe in the late 80's/early 90's.  I couldn't stand the whiny voice of the lead singer, but since I am a dedicated mom, and so I didn't embarrass myself, I decided to do some studying of tunes and lyrics.  They are impressive (did I just say that???).  The lyrics are contemplative and insightful ... with my stand-outs being MARATHON (because I'm a runner), Time Stand Still, and Subdivisions.

So on a Thursday afternoon in August, Brenden drove down and met me.  We had dinner at Costa Vida, then headed over to Usana Ampitheater.  Last time he went to a concert at Usana, they were late... even missing most of the opening act, and had to sit on the back section of the grass.  Not this time.  We were in line before the gates even opened, and had a spot on the lawn right at the front.   It is so much fun to watch Brenden in his element.  I had a great time (even surprised MYSELF).  The concert had its fair share of interesting moments, from drunk fans, 40-something has been rockers wearing tight zebra striped pants and an old rocker shirt, to several air-drummers in the crowd without a care in the world who was watching them.  We left during the last song of the encore... which made Brenden not happy, but we made it out of the dreaded Usana parking lot in 5 minutes

Thanks for the company Brenden... and for teaching me to broaden my musical tastes to include once hated bands.

Fairview 24th Celebration

Getting Hayden away from work (especially when it means going to a place with no running water) takes a miracle.  With half of summer gone by the middle of July, we still hadn't been to the cabin, so it became a no-brainer plan for the 24th.

July 24th weekend in Fairview was crazy.  Lots of people on the mountain with their ATV's, many people at the swimming pool at the mountain resort.  The celebration in town includes a parade, demolition derby, music, food, and much more.  The demolition derby is usually sold out by the second day tickets are available (in May), so taking the boys to that was a non option.  The morning of the derby, I was up at Overlook Point reading a book and watching the sunrise.  An older gentlemen drove up and we started talking.  Turns out he had 10 extra tickets to the demolition derby.  Wade and Aspen have never been to one, Brenden went to one when he was 6 or 7.  Hayden and Debra haven't been to one for 20 years or so.  I was SO excited to have tickets.

watching fireworks

The boys LOVED it...  Brenden especially.  He was standing on the bleachers, cheering for "his" car, and whooping and hollering.  I was having a great time because I love watching the kids have a good time.  Throw in the entertainment of Brenden leading the crowd in YMCA, and that topped off the night.  After the derby there was a great fireworks show (especially for a small town celebration) that we watched on our way back to the truck.

Aspen waving to "the princesses"

Other highlights of the trip included ATV riding (mostly Brenden), the parade (for Aspen... especially the floats with royalty), the swimming pool (definitely Aspen), and just enjoying nature (that includes everyone except Hayden).  Aspen had a couple sets of binoculars she found at the cabin, and they did not leave her neck for most of the 3 days.

Thanks Frank & Deb for letting us crash at your mountain pad!  We need to do it more often.

Half-marathon... sort of.

I ran hobble creek half marathon this year.  It is apparently THE RACE to get into, because the race was full 8 hours after it was opened.  The day of registration (after online registration was already full) I was in the running store buying Brenden shoes and noticed a line for race registration. Hmmm... Why not?  I had enough time to train for it.  Two years previous I signed up and paid for it, but ended up not running it for two reasons: 1) my running partner "M", got a stress fracture and wasn't going to be able to run it, and 2) I ended up skipping it and did a home make-over surprise for a friend.

So... about the race.  It was painful, beautiful, rewarding, a sacrifice, and frustrating.

This is the first half marathon M was going to be running, and my husband convinced me to run the race with her.  His reasoning?  I wasn't going to be improving on my previous time (2:05) because our runs have been pretty slow, I wasn't going to win the race (ha ha ha ha... as if) and it would mean a lot to her.  One week before the race,  M went in for an emergency appendectomy and wasn't sure she was going to be able to run it at all.  So... now what? Do I plan on running solo? If so, I haven't done any speed workouts for the past 11 weeks.  If she can't run and decides to walk, do I just run it or stay by her and finish with her?  Aaaaarggghhh..... frustration.

Morning of race day: arrived at the park at 5:15am, boarded bus, and took a long frustrating 50 minute bus ride 13 miles up Hobble Creek canyon.  The morning was chilly, and I ran into a couple friends while waiting for the race to start.  The race started forty minutes late, and the canyon was amazing.  Beautiful.  M had bandaged up her incision so that it didn't jiggle while she ran.  We started off running, she felt pretty good.  We made it to mile six, running the entire way, with our mile pace at about 11:27.  After a quick bathroom stop, we were on the road again, and ran to mile 8 before the effects of her surgery began to take effect.  I'm HUGELY competitive, and really can't stand to have people pass me... Especially people who have been walking.  So by mile 10 I was fit to be tied.  Slow people passing us as we did our walk/run for the last 4 miles.  Walkers passing us.  I kept thinking of Hayden's suggestion to stay with her.  Kept fighting off the urge to run and pass all the walkers.  Kept checking my watch realizing that our time at mile 10 was my time I was FINISHED at my last race.

With one half mile left to go, M told me she was feeling guilty about ruining my race (through tears) and told me to just run ahead and finish.  NO WAY MAN.  I've come this far doing my friendly duty, i wasn't about to go ahead of her now.  As we approached the finish line, I reached over and grabbed her hand as we approached the finish line.  Final time: (2:53).  That's a 13:07 mile pace.  At the finish line, i hugged her and she cried.  All the pain and agony and frustration of the race was suddenly rewarded.  I realized this is what i was supposed to do.  My half marathon "race" was my sacrifice to give, and one that meant more to her than I could have known.

I have signed up for a race in November in St. George... with M.  Pretty safe to assume that I am not going to be running "with" her or anyone else for that race.  My goal is to do my speed workouts between now and then and beat my 2:05 time.

Hayden and Aspen came and met us on the trail just before mile 11. I was so excited to see them.  I love to have them as my cheer leaders. Thanks for giving up your morning Hayd! It meant the world to me.
     

Growing Artist

Where has my summer gone?  One minute I'm planting my garden in preparation for warm weather and sun, and the next thing I know I have more summer squash, tomatoes and beets than we could possibly eat... even though we have had one or more of something out of our garden everyday.

Budding artist!

 I feel the same with my kids.  One minute they are just beginning to learn so many new and exciting things (Aspen), and the next minute they are preparing to start their last year in high school and move on with their life as an adult (Brenden).

 

Aspen has taken a liking to my ipad I acquired for my birthday.  She spends more time on it than I do... which is saying something.  She loves counting programs, alphabet writing, coloring, paint by numbers, and watching movies, but her favorite lately is the Monkey Preschool app.  It's fun to see her match colors, letters, etc etc.  

 

She has learned in the last 2 weeks that she can control what she is drawing, and loves to draw lots and lots of SUNs.  She has began to add legs and arms to things and people as well.  We had a small problem with her drawing on things OTHER THAN the chalk board and paper, however.  Three weeks ago I noticed nice permanent pen all over the seat of my car.  This prompted a lecture from me about writing ONLY on paper.  Within a week, she had written on my ipad with a crayon (followed by another scolding), my patio doors with permanent marker (white doors/dark blue markers), on the door handle in Hayden's truck, and all up and down her legs, arms, and face during a car ride to Park City.  Where is this child's mother??? and WHO keeps showing her my hiding spots for all my writing utensils???

Aspen is into everything PRINCESS, castles and dragons.  She would prefer to have a princess dress on than any other clothes, and if I sneak clothes on her before she remembers her princess dress she will say "I don't like this shirt... need to change it" and brings me a dress to replace it with.

She constantly is asking "Whachu say, momma?  Whachu say?" if I tell her something and she didn't fully hear or understand what I said.  When watching a movie, and wondering what comes next she says "Whas happenin'?" (repeated 305 times without pause).

A typical outfit for Aspen includes:
2 necklaces with large pink jewels and beads on them
4+ bracelets...on both arms
Princess dress
Sun bonnet
Pink sun glasses
Several hair-bows (which she calls hair BONES)
clip-clop shoes (that make tapping sounds when she walks)
A backpack or purse or her trusty dog blanket.

Happy #5 Haydy Baby

Seriously... I am married to the best man on the PLANET!  Ask my girl friends... they have all (at one time or another) asked if Hayden has a brother to share.  

It was our fifth anniversary this year (last Sunday) and I kept pretty quiet about it, trying to catch Hayden in the act of forgetting about it.  Did you know Facebook has ANNIVERSARY reminders??  So much for my sneaky plan.  

Friday's job for Hayden ended up getting canceled and by 10am, he had made plans for the weekend and our anniversary. Here is a blow by blow of our adventurous weekend. 


Day 1: Friday

• Hayden divulges "secret location"... tells me to pack
• Mad-dash to get someone to cover Sunday's lesson.
• Frantic packing job.
• Head to Lodge at Red River.
• Check location in GPS unit.
• Double check location on google.
• Triple check location on bing.
• All say same thing...drive to middle of nowhere... arrive at destination.
• Stop in Richfield for a few supplies.
• Walmart.
• Leave Walmart feeling VERY normal.
• Drive through awesomely beautiful country I didn't know Utah had.
• Arrive at a lodge amid a mass of cottonwoods.
• Check in at lodge.
• Room is amazing complete with 2 beds, log walls and a small balcony.
• Decide to explore the area... on foot.
• Check out game room.
• Embarrass myself trying to play Hayden in ping-pong. (I beat him one time... long ago).
• Push Aspen in massive swing hanging from a cottonwood tree.
• Go walking along Fremont river on a weeded path.
• Walk for 10 minutes.
• Rain begins.
• Run back to lodge in rain (Aspen on Hayden's shoulders)
• Drive around the area exploring.
• Watch rain storm move in.
• Dinner @ lodge.  
• Aspen on swing... again.
• Aspen to bed.
• Sit on balcony with Hayd and talk for an hour.
• Bedtime.

Day 2: Saturday

• Wake up with headache... no run for me.  Sad.
• Breakfast @ the lodge. 
• Push Aspen in tree swing.
• Decide to shower later... throw on a hat.
• Drive into Torrey & buy drinks for the road.
• Drive to Capitol Reef (9 miles away)
• Take 10 mile scenic loop.
• Drive 7 miles on scenic loop... road closed.
• Hike on closed area over washed out roads (very NON drivable conditions)
• Gather rocks for my sand-jars.
• Head to Hanksville.
• Compare parts of the drive to Price.
• Stop at HOLLOW MOUNTAIN in Hanksville.
• Buy Aspen her "diamond" (she wanted the PINK CAT she saw on our way to Lake Powell, but opted for the jewel).
• Drive to Goblin Valley.
• Pay $7 entrance fee.
• Hike down a few hills into "goblins".
• Rain starts.
• Wait out rain behind very large goblin.
• Wait some more... find bigger rock to cower behind.
• Give up and decide the rain isn't going to end... back to the truck we go.
• Sandy silt is now slippery mud... we slide all over with every step.
• Crawl uphill through mud to top.
• Wash off as much mud as possible is pools of standing water.
• Remove shoes and get into truck.
• Remove pants and drive back to Torrey in our underwear.
• Redress and eat a bite at Taco Time.
• Check into room #2 at lodge (since we booked at the last minute, we had to switch rooms after the first night to pull it off).
• SHOWER.
• Aspen on swing... complains about being cold.
• Drive into Torrey.
• Contemplate going to Women's Music Festival.
• Read sign that says $35 entrance per person.
• Skip music festival and go to dinner @ Cafe Diablo.
• Eat awesome creative food.
• Pay too much for dinner.
• Pick up Aspen a jacket at RV store.
• Get contact information from RV park for a return trip with the kids.
• Return to lodge.
• Push Aspen on swing... this time with a jacket on.
• Watch buffalo next to lodge
• Bribe Aspen with hot-tubbing to get her off the swing.
• Hot tub with Aspen and Hayd.
• Back to room.
• Aspen sleeping on floor in our room.
• Off to bed...

Day 3: Sunday

• 6:45am run along highway bordering Fremont River.
• Stop 2 miles into run to read historical marker.
• Continue run back to lodge.
• Stretch out on the patio.
• Shower.
• Pack up room.
• Push Aspen on Swing.
• Say goodbye to lodge.
• Breakfast @ brunch shop in Torrey.
• Drive on a country road looking for a mountain with pieces of red rock.
• Put truck in 4wd and drive up scary road leading to red rock.
• Load truck with beautiful red flagstone for my yard.
• Head to Ephraim.
• Pass Manti temple... sealed 2 years previous on same date.
• Aspen sees the "castle" and asks where the "princesses" are... have to take her and see them sometime.
• Dinner with Fraser's.
• Make dad jealous of all my cool flagstone rock.
• Tour of dad's rock projects.
• Drive home while Aspen naps.
• Arrive at home... unload truck.

It seems so much to do, as I was typing it all out... but I haven't had such a relaxing, non stress, chill weekend since I was on a beach last December.  This is a DEFINITE do-over.  Hayden... once again... you have out done yourself.  My friends will be jealous.  Love you Haydy Baby.

teenagers...a pain?

I've had so many things going through my head lately of things I need to post, so many way cool summer adventures, but haven't felt much up to typing, trying to be eloquent, or trying to think of the best way to say it... so I just left it unwritten.  Hopefully I can take the events I have jotted down and write about them in the next couple days before I forget all the cool parts about them.

I have two boys that are so different in everything about them:  looks, characteristics, hobbies, how to spend free time, personality.  Wade is fair complected, Brenden is dark... Wade likes (LoveS) playing video games, Brenden would prefer to hang with friends... Wade is my peacemaker, Brenden is the antagonizer... Wade is the helper, Brenden is the motivator.  So I have learned that expecting the same results out of them for the same request will NEVER happen.  I have to nag Brenden several times a day (and sometimes into the next day) to finish his few simple jobs.  I finally had enough of being a nag, and told him of my frustration. 
He listened.
Apparently more than I thought...
the next morning this is the note on the chalkboard in the kitchen that I found.
LOVE IT!
He doesn't say much, but when he does it is usually worth paying attention to.
LOVE IT!
Brenden... love you.

Ea$y Money

If you need a good laugh, offer Brenden some money for a dare... but you better make it a good dare because he will do just about anything for a few bucks. 

Example:
For $5 he chewed on my ear pads off of my running headphones for 10 minutes.  Yeah... gross.  Seriously.

For $5 he wore some pink high heels and walked to the gas station in them, bought some snacks, and walked home in them.  And I missed seeing this one... I'd pay $10 just to see it again.
So when Grandma Debra offered him $10 to get down and lead the crowd in the YMCA song/actions, that was EASY compared to what he had done to make money in the past.  I'm so glad I had my camera... but wishing I had my video camera.

Family Reunion Wager

Before

Our Gardner reunion always has a little raffle/silent auction.  I found a clock on the table with no bids that was screaming spray paint me  I told my sister I had plans on turning it into something way cool.  She scoffed.  Hey... don't laugh at a person holding a can of spray paint.  Sounds like a challenge to me.

If you didn't know this was the same clock, you never would be able to tell.

Take that Kara :)

After

Royalties, Please

Imagine my surprise when Brenden's friend sends him a text informing him she swears she saw him on a poster for an upcoming 5k.  Hmmm... must be some mistake.  We didn't have any pictures selected to be used for a flyer or poster.  It must just be someone who LOOKS like Brenden.

Nope.

That's my boy!!

She sent a picture from off of the door at a gas station in Santaquin, and sure enough... there was Brenden running through the beautiful lavender fields from last years race.  Since I am a bit strange, and like to find ways to embarrass my children, I made Brenden come to a running store with me to find the flyer.  We were allowed to steal a large one off of the back door and take a few out of a large stack on the counter.

SCORE!

I'm thinking there should be some royalties for being able to use his beautiful running form shown on the poster.  Even if we didn't go back this year and run it.

What do you think?

Day 3... Missing home

July 14, 2010 Wednesday
Seems like I have been here for more than a week.  The days seem to start to blend together and I'm so excited to go home tomorrow. Went into the channel a couple times today but was unable to get cell service.  So frustrating.

I must be in a different phase of my life because not once did anyone say "Tonia, you want to ski".  It isn't their fault I didn't go.  I only partially wanted to try wake-boarding, but NOT having anyone ask makes me realize that I am probably considered too old for that sort of thing.

Took Aspen out on the water weenie today.  That was SO much fun to watch.  She  loved it.  At first she wasn't quite sure about it, but after having quite a long turn and ending back up on the boat, she was asking if it was her turn again five minutes later.  When the older kids went and got thrown off she declared "mama, I can go. I don't fall off". She has had a total blast and will be talking about this for many days after we get home.



Wade did some cliff jumping with the crazy people today.  This did not sound fun for me (because I am wussy... and old :)  He is suffering from a bit too much sun.  First day down here he was in the sun for a good 3 hours without sunscreen before I noticed and tried to remedy the situation.  Too late.

I slept in the boat last night and had her sleep on the floor by me.  Amazingly I got some sleep.  If I'm not right next to her she puts herself back to sleep in the night instead of coming looking for me to lay on.

My bags are packed... My stuff gathered... I'm ready to go home and see Hayden.

Day 2... Lake Powell

July 13, 2010 Tuesday

"I think Aspen is a vampire", Nate said to me this morning.  Unfortunately for me, I am not.  Nate slept in the same place as Aspen and I.  Slept being used loosely, because Aspen did little sleeping, which translates to me sleeping very little.  She talks in her sleep, rolls on me, and wakes up every 30-60 minutes crying about one thing or another.  How the girl functions on that much sleep, a full day of playing, and only 30 minute nap yesterday is beyond me.

We had a visit about mom and dad's mission today.  Who is watching/tending to what while mom and dad are gone.  I live so far away from all their property to help much.  I would, however, love to take a horse. I miss days of riding,  the smell of horses, my allergies, and the feeling of a horse running underneath me.  It would be a bit of an expense, but so worth it.  I would love to have Aspen love them as much as I do. 

Day 1... Lake Powell

July 12, 2010 Monday
Boredom... Not because there is nothing to do, but because the person i would most love to share EVERYTHING with is back in Lehi.  Events through the day, Aspen's little funny things, thoughts on family and interactions, words of love and humor.  The whole situation is compounded by the fact that I have no phone service and so therefore I have no contact with him.  No text messages.  Not sure if this means I am addicted to my phone or addicted to my husband.

I was able to do what i came down here to do.  I rode up the channel sitting on the front of the houseboat with my feet in the water, riding the surface of the water and water splashing up my legs.  I have fond memories of doing this the first couple times we came to lake Powell back in the 80's.

Last night was miserable.  Hot, humid, and restless.  I slept with Aspen, so I worried about her for most the night.  Started on the bunk in the houseboat, ended up on top... No padding below us, and no blanket above.   Lack of sleep didn't slow Aspen down.  She was in the water until she was water logged, then would get out long enough to dry off and be begging to "swim... Just 1more time ... PLEASE".  

Lake Powell

Funny how things get put off until one specific something takes place.  I've had so many things to post, but put them off until I could post one particular picture.  Well, that one picture is still not scanned, but I've given up on waiting for me.

I officially have 1 month from today until my half marathon.  I am not as trained as I was for my half last year at this time, but that is part of the price of having a running partner... I train at her pace, and have been skipping my speed workouts because they aggravate my running buddy's old injury.  So this year my half-marathon will be more of a run to just finish, since I obviously won't be setting any land speed records.  

School starts 2 days after my half, and it hasn't been until this week that I had visions of me back to school without it causing anxiety.  The great thing about journaling is that I notice reoccurring patterns of behavior.  I know that at the end of the summer I have "summer remorse", so rather than wondering why it is happening, I get to figure out HOW to deal with it, since it is inevitable. Still much to do on our summer list.

We spent last week at Lake Powell with my family.  Hayden had a couple of jobs that ended up needing attention, so he was unable to go.  Aspen had a momentary moment her first 10 seconds in the water, where she thought she was going to drown, but when she figured out her life-jacket would hold her up, she was not getting out of the water... for the next 4 days.  The water was warm (81*) and the temperatures were warmer (104*+).  We had two houseboats, and they were quite full: 16 kids and 11 adults.  The only siblings not there were Garrett, who is working in Jackson Hole for the summer, and Jolona, who stayed home with her baby. It was a lot of fun.  Thanks Dad, for the great time. 

The next couple posts will be Lake Powell day by days... since I was able to write things down on my ipad while in the middle of the lake.

Like mother... like daughter

The best part about having little things that I do that drive Hayden crazy, is having a daughter that does the same things... without prompting.  He thinks I am secretly coaching her on the side.

Give me a good cob (or 10) of fresh corn on the cob, and I turn into a ravenous eater.  (Hayden says I hunch over and grow fangs... very funny Hayd).  A couple weeks ago we had corn on the cob with dinner, and Aspen helped herself to a cob, pushed away her dinner, and finished off 3 cobs of corn.   HA, HAYDEN... now you get to deal with 2 corn chicks.

My affection for "smelly crap" (given that title by Hayden) is also shared with Aspen.  She loves smelling everything... and I mean everything.  Get me and her in Bath & Body Works, and poor Hayden doesn't stand a chance.

She loves going for walks (same with me, not Hayd), winter squash (ditto, but not Hayd), complains about being cold (me too, Hayden is always just fine or too hot), she loves to help me in the garden, and loves yard work.  

Some of her characteristics and likes, I'm sure she came with, but many she picks up from watching me.  Today I yelled at the dog and ten seconds later she did the same thing.  Guess I better be careful... I have a little copy cat in my midst.

Did I mention I'm a Gardner?

I love my heritage.  We had a family reunion this weekend in Neola, Utah.  This town is probably one of the most beautiful, peaceful places on the earth (I'm nostalgic, I admit) .  Some of my relatives from California,  whom I love dearly, came, so it was well worth the trip out to the basin just for that. 

A bit about my mom's parents:  My Grandma Toni and Grandpa Roy are some of the most unconditionally loving people in the world.  Every time I drive back into Neola, I have fond memories of staying at their house, grandma's beautiful gardens and flowers, and her mad skills (quilting, sewing, cooking, gardening, canning, home repair... and she does a pretty wicked job on drywall too).  But mostly I just remember feeling loved...
Unconditionally..
Regardless of what life brought...
Without fail.

I hope someday my future generations can say the same about me.  That is a legacy of love I would love to pass on. 

older and wiser

I'm having mixed feelings about this whole birthday thing this year.  Hayden has made sure to point out that I'm half-way to 80 years old, and definitely loves to point out (on my birthday)  that he is 3 years younger than I am... even if only for 3 months.

Here are some of my thoughts about life in my final hours as a 30-something-ish gal.
________________
Kids: they grow up way too fast, and I think I've finally figured out how to slow down, spend the extra time, and do things that matter.  Which brings me to my next one...

Time:  there are only so many days and hours I have been given here on this earth.  The realization of this has made me be very selfish with my time.  There are so many things that  demand my precious time, and I have had to let some things go for the benefit of my sanity.  My first place I choose to be is home... second is anywhere with Hayden or my kids.

My body:  sometimes fighting gravity isn't worth it.  I've come to love running, and am very grateful my knees, feet and other body parts still function well enough to let that continue to happen.  I know I won't ever have my 20-something body back... accepting that is another thing.  Wrinkles are not my friend.

The daily grind:  I've tried to find something each day to be grateful for by the end of the day.
I hate cleaning bathrooms. 
I love teaching school.

My life:  I've had my share of mountains to climb... many of them on my own .  Those have made me the person I am today.   Going through them again would literally put me in my grave, however, I wouldn't trade them for anything because of how I've grown and what I've learned.  Being ok with myself makes everything else much easier.

Friends:  one word: invaluable!! They have been my soft place to fall, my listening ear, and my support when my life was at it's worst.  Misty, Becky, Karin, Kellie, Clay, Hayden... I'm talking to you.  Thanks.  Love you.

My husband:  seriously the best thing that has ever happened to me.  Period.  After climbing the above noted mountains, having a good man by my side is something I am very grateful for.  He is my best friend, my biggest cheerleader, a great amazing dad, and a very hard worker.  We get along beautifully, and I believe my trials helped bring me to him.

The next 40 years:  not too sure how I feel about more sagging, wrinkles, aches and pains, and the likes, but hopefully if I have a good attitude, find something to love everyday, and find joy in the small things, then every day, every month, every year should be something I look forward to.

10 in 10 days

I'm taking up a challenge from a blog I follow to complete 10 (unfinished) tasks in 10 days.
I specialize in UN-finished projects/tasks.
I am the MASTER.
Most of mine, however, are tasks that require most of the 10 days to finish.
That was what I thought before I started looking for some over the past couple days.

So here are my 10 things that I am going to finish up before I run off to Vegas on the 3rd:

1. finish cutting coupons

2. finish my window screens

3. paint my outside patio doors (this has been unfinished for the past 2 years)

4. sew a button on Hayden's work pants

5. watch and return a video (this will be a rough job)

6. vacuum behind/in between the couches

7. finish vinyl menu boards

8. mop the bathroom floor

9. go through Aspen's closet/clothes

10. finish one of the 1,235 sewing projects I have started.

I'm on the clock.  

I better get started... 

tomorrow.

UPDATE (June 29):  with 3 days left to finish, I have to say that most of my tasks have been left until the last minute (shocker).  I finished #1 the first day, and today I completed #4, 5, 8, and 10.  I actually finished about 6 projects in my sewing stash... so I should get bonus points for that.  Still dreading painting the patio doors.

letter to my 3 year old

My Dear beautiful Aspen,

I still can't believe it has been 3 years since you have joined us.  I've thought a lot this week about that day.  We checked into the hospital on Saturday, but your dad wished that you would come on father's day (on Sunday).  Well, he got his wish, and you have been the best father's day present he could ever hope for. 

The poem that goes "when she was good, she was REALLY REALLY good, and when she was bad she was horrid" could have been written about you.  You are so cheerful when you wake up (on your own).  You come in and ask how I slept, and tell me you have slept good.  You are always cheerful and love to play with others... until you get tired... then the horrid part comes out.  An afternoon nap seems to do the trick, and two hours later, my little sweet girl emerges with her smile once again.

You are so smart.  You use words I am amazed you know how to say, let alone know how to use in context.  The other day you set out all your dinosaurs and put the mountains in the distance and informed me it was the "mysterious beyond".  You have a little attitude and recently have taken to telling your dad and I "NO" when we ask you to do something.  You put your hands on your hips and walk around the house like you own the place.  You know your colors (red and green you still get mixed up), and know how to count above 13, and even know how to count in Spanish, but you always seem to miss the number 3. 

Your brother Brenden loves to tease you.  He takes your ball, until you cry for it (you aren't too big on the sharing thing), then he takes your baby stroller, until you cry for it, then he is back to your ball... and the cycle goes on.  You are Wade's little shadow.  You love to climb on him and follow him around.

Books are your weakness.  You have decided that the front porch is the reading spot, and if I am sitting out there, you say "oh... lemme get a book", and in you go... and out you come, usually with "Give a Mouse a Cookie" or "Goodnight Moon" or (your favorite... that you can recite) "Go, Dog, Go".  This week I even spotted you out reading your new dragon book to the neighbors little dogs.

You are a beautiful girl.  I've always thought so (because to me you are always beautiful), but other people have always commented on your beauty.  This past Saturday I was in the middle of talking to someone, when you turned to look at them.  In mid-sentence they stopped and said "wow, she is beautiful". 

Dad has taught you this week to say "Dad is the King", which he is pretty proud of because no matter how much he has tortured me in the past 6 years, I have never given in and told him he was the KING.  And to you, he is THE KING.  And you are his Princess.  You love to "nuggle" in bed next to him.  He loves to feed your addiction to chocolate milk.  You love to jump on his back and say "Monkey on the back", and he pretends to try to shake you off.  He jumps on your trampoline with you, plays ball, goes on walks and Bronco rides with you.  You are his world.

To me, however, you have been a chance to love being a mom again.  To tell you stories and tuck you into bed.  To smell the baby part of you be replaced by summer sweat of a toddler.  To love again.  You lie asleep in my lap right now, and I watch you sleep knowing that the minute I turn my head you will be 18 and running off to college, and no longer my little girl. 

I love you so much.  Thanks for all you have given to your dad and me.  You keep us laughing, worrying, and living.

Love always,
Mom

summer bucket list in FULL swing

We wasted no time in getting into our summer check off list.  With a little help from Utah Connect Pass, we had entry into several places to pick from.  In one day we hit Discovery Gateway, Clark Planetarium (and 2 movies there), Gateway water fountains, and lunch at Lion House.  Aspen had her first "warm sidewalk" experience at Gateway.  She was cold and when I showed her to lie on the warm ground... that's where she stayed... until we left.

Thanksgiving Point's Museum of Ancient Life (dinosaur museum) was also checked off.  Brenden and Wade even got their hands wet and played in the erosion pool.  Aspen's favorite parts are the big shark, the water part, and the sand area at the end which she calls "the dig".  This is a favorite place of hers, and one we drive by on our way home often (which means she INSISTS that we take her there).

Yesterday we hit Hogle Zoo.  This is another of Aspen's favorite.  She had to hold on to the zoo map when she got home for a nap, and for the rest of the evening. 

Still on our Utah Pass is Tracy Aviary, Olympic Park, Museum of Natural History/Fine Arts, Red Butte Garden, Snowbird & This is the Place park.

Today I was able to hang out with Brenden for the afternoon.  We went to a movie, got lunch, and just had some nice chill/visit time.  Going out on individual "dates" with each of the boys is DEFINITELY on my list of things to do for each of the times they are here this summer.

I HEART spray paint. VERY MUCH!!!

I've been following blogs that give me some great furniture remodeling ideas.  I've been too afraid to try any until I got tired of my 2 pink chairs, 2 white chairs, and 1 brown chair in my kitchen (along with a hand me down table).  OH BABY... bring on the black spray paint, and suddenly my kitchen set matches.  I still have to finish the top of the table, but at least they look like they go together.

I was sitting in my living room the other day noticing all the different types of wood my furniture has, and decided to do something about it.  First off, trying to decide a color.  My sister said I should have done something like a sea-foam green or a mustard yellow, but I am too chicken, so for me it was deciding between black and white.  White=bright... so it won.

I have done my cedar chest, an end table, a wicker chair, and a parsons bench (although the bench still needs to be recovered on the seat and back).  I must say, they TOTALLY impressed me how they turned out... especially the cedar chest.  Here are my before and after pics:

before:
the edges looked worn and had been bumped numerous times, and one of the sides of the skirt had come loose and had to be screwed back together.

after: I tried spray painting the original handles but failed miserably (apparently spraying it one color and then changing your mind doesn't bode well in spray paint land).  Off to home depot to find handles that matched.  Had to drill new holes for these but you can't even tell.

Other pieces I've been working on:
wicker chair took a few coats (3) until I learned that EXPENSIVE spray paint which costs 4 times that of the cheap stuff, is worth about 7 cans of the cheap stuff (or more).  Seriously.  Spend the extra money... just a tip.

I found a $60 inch-and-a-half wood frame at Big Lots that was on clearance for $2.  CHA-CHING.  It had some little saying on it and was scratched in a place or two, but I had been DYING to own one of these for a long time, so I had to buy it.  Two coats of spray paint later, and some cute vinyl and it is now one of my favorites in my house.  It felt too lonely on the wall, so I put some more vinyl on the wall to give it some flourishes. 

I still have a few things on my list of things to finish.  The table below is now all white, and has been antiqued as well, and it looks great.  I am tempted to paint the big wooden bookshelves I have in my front room but am still too chicken to take that on.  I did however buy a cute little night stand at DI yesterday for $5, and it is definitely on my REDO list next... I'll post more of it when I start it.