life in general

back from the coast

we are definitely getting our fill of beach play this month.  Although, in these parts we refer to it as "the coast."  It's a little more rugged, colder, and you're more likely to spend your time kite flying and beach-combing, rather than sun bathing and swimming.

For this trip I brought along my little cameras to capture the scenery and all the little moments.

Here's a peek into our weekend . . . 

{taken using an Instax mini 7S}

We discovered the tidepools . . . . 

and lots of sea life tucked away in the nooks and crannies . . . 

We took in the view from our balcony . . . 

From our hotel balcony we watched the tides rise and fall around these rocks each day.  One evening we even watched a small SUV sink into the sand as the tides rose.  Some good samaritans (with a big beefy truck) stepped in and pulled them out.  There were a lot of hugs shared.

We also saw kites flying, a morning yoga class near the waves, love notes written in the sand, stormy rain clouds roll in, the lights of ships at night, and the sun set on the horizon.

we saw a seal pup . . .

and Anna decided that she wants to have one as a pet. 

the kids played hard at an amazing park . . . 

 

we saw a lighthouse . . . 

and we climbed all the stairs to the top.  Scott asked the kids to guess how many stairs there would be.  Their guesses . . . 25, 40, 44.  It appears we need to work on the skill of estimation.  There were over 100 stairs to the top.  And back down again . . . Anna got a little fearful of heights, but made it down just fine.  (Small world, as we exited the lighthouse we ran into the Smith family from our ward.)

oh and more tidepools . . . 

we roasted marshmallows by the fire . . . 

 

love that the hotel had these gas-powered fire pits for use.  No smoky smelling clothes!

Here's what happens when you try to make a s'more with those giant campfire marshmallows

and we had a great overall time . . . 

We're home and ready for the last 3 weeks of school!

embrace the camera: may 26th

Last night Conner was awarded his Webelos badge.  And I got pinned.  As Conner approached with the mother's pin he said, "brace yourself."

I just love this funny kid.

And can I just say that I am digging this Cub Scout gig.  I'm officially one year into it.  (Although it feels longer since I've been involved on the committee since Conner started 2 1/2 years ago).  Sure, some weeks (a lot of weeks) my 12 boys are crazy with energy and I feel like I'm herding cats and when I come home I just collapse on the couch.  But I am enjoying the topics & skills we cover, the little projects (and doing things the "boy" way), games, skits, songs, and their genuine interest and eagerness to participate.

It works for me.

i think you're missing something here

Last week we had a big fundraiser for our Cub Scout group.  It was a garage sale / bake sale.  And it was a huge success.  

I wanted to include the boys in the fundraiser as much as possible, so at our den meeting I brought posters and markers and had them make signs to advertise the sale around town.  I included the basic info (date, time, location) at the bottom of the poster and left the top empty for them to title, decorate, and adorn however they wanted.  They love that kind of stuff.  I even pulled a big chalkboard into the gym and wrote "Cub Scout Garage Sale and Bake Sale" so there would be no question on spelling.

While they worked on posters I thumbed through their cub scout books to update my achievement records.  Then we had a layered pudding / oreo / chocolate chip / marshmallow / graham cracker dessert that they got to assemble themselves (we had learned about landfills earlier in the meeting) . . . and I sent them on their way.  

Quick, clean up the room, gather up my supplies, sweep the floor, throw everything into the van, and get home to throw some corn dogs in the oven for dinner.

As I'm putting away everything from the Cub Scout pile I come across Payton's poster, which I had not seen previously.  

Huh.  Something seems a little off here. . . 

"get yor car spotles"

Um, Payton?  Scratching my head . . . . 

Uhhh, we're having a garage sale.  Where in the world did you come up with a car wash?

Confused.  And then I see the light turn on in his head.  "Oh."  And a smile.

Seriously?  How did you miss this one gigantic detail?!  What a goon!

I've kept the poster because it just makes me smile.  And what a great tagline - "get yor car spotles."  Sometimes I just don't know about that boy.

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Yesterday that cute boy (and Conner and Scott) got a much needed haircut.  

Shannon's Barber Shop, since 2000

i am a mother

I've been thinking a lot about motherhood lately.  What my role entails, the pieces in this family that are uniquely mine, the things that I need to do because no one else is going to do them for me . . . .

i am present . . . classroom parties, special events at school, talks in church, school pick-up, soccer games, . . . as much as I am able, I will be there.  I love the look on their faces when they see me -- eyes light up, a smile.  Being present at the little things gives them assurance that I will be there for the big things.

i am a homemaker . . . our home is supposed to be a sanctuary from the world.  It's my job to create an environment where everyone can feel comfortable, safe, loved.

i am available . . . I feel incredibly blessed that I can be a stay at home mom.  But I also feel it is my responsibility to keep myself and my kids from becoming over-scheduled.  "In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e."  Dieter F. Uchtdorf

i am a listener . . . my favorite is when I hear, "mom, can I ask you a question in your room?"  My job is to keep the lines of communication open.  To listen when they need me and to let them know (by my words and especially by my attentiveness) that they can talk to me about anything. 

i am a motivator . . . the pusher, and yes, the nagger.  Sometimes (a lot of times) my job includes making them do things they don't want to do.  Because I can see the bigger picture.  Additionally, I have to be motivated myself.  Apathy, complacency, and laziness just aren't going to work.  If I don't do it, then who will?

i am a teacher . . .

i am an enforcer . . .

i am a giver of love . . .

i am a hugger and kisser . . .

i am a mother . . .

{quote art from Becky Higgins, who also loves being a mom}

I started typing this post a week ago.  Since then I came across a campaign at a news station in Utah, called Motherhood Maters.  It's purpose is to encourage, inspire, and remind us why motherhood matters.  They have some great thoughts, quotes, downloads, and a 10-day challenge.  Go check it out.

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(I actually started writing this post on April 28th and had intentions of posting it on mother's day, but then I got busy, and then we went to California, then busy again, and then I didn't feel like that great of a mother for a few days, and then I made changes to fix that.  So I post this with the purpose of sharing what I believe my role as a mother should include, not what I am perfect at everyday.)

ten on tuesday // may 17

1.  I just ate a ziploc baggie full off pea pods and baby carrots.  Trying to curb the munchies and stay within my calorie budget for the day.

2.  Scott and I both downloaded the free "Lose It!" app for tracking food and exercise.  You can set goals and they recommend a daily calorie budget.  I think it's just a little (a lot) unfair that he gets 2200 calories and I only get 1600.  :(

3.  Payton had 2 more teeth pulled at the dentist today.  His reward for being brave is an afternoon of Wii and no school.

4.  I feel like taking a nap.

5.  In BIG news . . . Scott cleaned up his "pile" on our bedroom floor and the disaster on top of the dresser and it has stayed clean and clear for . . . . 8 whole days!  He even inspired me to clean up and move out my Cub Scout stuff from our bedroom.  Our bedroom tends to be the dropping grounds for a lot of stuff.  Is anyone else like that?  I'm hoping to change that bit by bit so our room can be clear of the clutter of life.

6.  Anna came to lunch on Sunday wearing a cute headband, necklace, and bracelet she put on herself.  I said, "you look cute, Anna.  Are you trying to be like Fancy Nancy?"  She replied, "No, I'm a pop star."  Oh my heavens.

7.  Conner will be getting his Webelos badge at pack meeting this month.  We're excited that he's checked that off 6 months into the program.  And he's excited that he gets an hour on the ipad.  (We use the ipad as a reward -- when the kids accomplish certain scouting achievements, they get one hour on the ipad.  Otherwise, it's hands off!)

8.  Leftover lasagna for dinner tonight.

9.  Ballet, swim lessons, and an eye doctor appointment for Conner are still on the agenda for today.  Maybe I really should take a nap.

10.  I ordered this light for my kitchen (to hang above the sink).  It screws right into a recessed can light.  How cool is that?  Can't wait to put it up!

beach house: more play!

the list continues . . . . 

hot tub

who doesn't love a hot tub?  Especially with a view like this . . . . 

During the day the temp was turned down and the kids used it as a swimming pool.  All sorts of fun.

treasure hunt

My dad always loves putting together treasure hunts when we go to the beach.  It's a tradition.  I remember one year he had us convinced that he had found a pirate's treasure map in a bottle.  It was weathered and burnt around the edges and the clues were written in pirate lingo.  It eventually led us to a treasure chest filled with "jewels" and prizes.

Here are the kids taking off to find one of the clues.

shells

This was a great beach for collecting shells, and the good kind -- whole shells, lots of sand dollars, etc.  One morning the tide washed in hundreds of shells and Payton & Anna had a hayday with that, filling their buckets to the brim.

necklace project

Heidi put together a jewelry project for all the ladies to enjoy.  She often makes cool and funky necklaces for herself using inspiration from places like Anthropologie.  This was also an Anthro inspired necklace and I love how it turned out.

See that cord?  We braided that ourselves . . . from 4 pieces of leather cord.  I felt pretty cool that I learned how to do a 4-part braid.  As for dealing with the wire and needle nose pliers and findings . . . not quite an area that I excel at.  I finished the project last, by a wide margin.  But Bree, she had the right moves and whipped it out in no time.

talent show

I was in charge of putting together one activity during our stay so I chose a family talent show.  I sent a video to everyone a month ahead of time to announce the show, explain the rules (everyone must perform), and give some ideas.  I brought 2 black sheets which we hung as a backdrop and a strobe light to add some "cool" to Conner's rock n' roll number.

I was soooo impressed with everyone's acts!  We had a great variety from gymnastics, to magic, to skits with audience participation, to singing, to poetry, to jokes . . . Love it all.

A few highlights:

Sam's magic act.  Payton was called on as a volunteer, was blindfolded, and instructed to hold a hot dog.  Let's just say, I'm happy that Sam decided not to go through with this "magic" trick.  It's a good thing I trust my brother. 

Discovering that Mom, Heidi, and Carlee had all unknowingly planned to do the same thing for their "talent."  The splits.  So we had the 5 year old version, 25 year old version, and 50 year old version.  :)  

Denver and Bree's munchkin dance.  It was a hoot!  I loved Bree's teeny tiny hands sticking of the sweater.

As you can see, we played and played and just had a fantastic time at the beach.  I'm so glad we had this opportunity to get together, because who knows when/how it's going to happen again.  The family is getting bigger and bigger.  I'm just so glad my my kids have great cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents in their lives.  They are definitely loved!

 

beach house: play!

obviously, when you go to a beach house you . . . 

play on the beach!

The house we stayed in was right on the beach, and we found that renting mid-week is the way to go.  You could look left all the way down the beach, and look right all the way down the beach and see not one single person.  We had the place entirely to ourselves.  Score!

I love this picture of our set-up on the beach.  Kites, giant inflatable balls, shovels, boogie boards . . . we got it all.

{photo by Heidi}

We were blessed with great weather during our stay (just one slightly colder/windier day).  So we definitely took advantage of the beach and got as much play out of it as we could.

happy fun ball

The last time we all got together at a beach house was Christmas 1999, our first Christmas as a married couple.  My parents brought along a huge (we're talking 48") inflatable soccer ball that was named "happy fun ball."  The name was taken from this classic SNL commercial. (Do not taunt happy fun ball.)  We had lots of fun with it, Denver almost broke his neck attempting a head bunt, and it eventually got a hole in it.  

We knew that this weekend was the perfect opportunity to bring happy fun ball back.

This year's version came from Costco -- basically an inflatable hamster wheel.  The kids had fun rolling each other on the back deck.

The older kids had fun with it too.

And then my dad and brother did what they are best at . . . completely ignore printed warnings like "do not use as a flotation device" and do exactly that.  A few of my brothers tried it out first, and when it was deemed "marginally safe"  (j/k) they put Conner inside.

Actually Conner jumped at the chance to have a turn and l.o.v.e.d. it.  Loved it.  He thought that this was the awesomest thing ever.

dig a hole

When we go to the beach the item at the top of our "to bring" list is always a shovel.  Because we like to dig holes.  Big holes.  On day 2 the kids (with help from Denver, Mason, etc.) dug a "hot tub".

On day 3 my brothers got serious about their hole digging and completed not one, but two massive holes connected by a trench.  (Sorry, no pictures. I was working the video camera that day.)

We were saddened later that evening when we saw a group of kids take over the hole and litter it with a giant tree branch, garbage, t-shirts, and a tire.  My mind was perplexed -- Where did the tire come from? (it certainly had not been on the beach all week.)  So then, who in the world brings a tire to the beach?  Anyways, our awesome hole was turned in homeless-looking shanty-ville.

night-time on the beach

The setting sun did not stop us from squeezing a little more enjoyment out of the beach.  One night we went down with a huge case of sparklers and let the kids go crazy.  That was a lot of fun.  Afterwards, Papa gave all the kids flashlights and we went on a night hike down the beach looking for creatures and shells and oddities in the sand.

Another night we made a campfire and roasted marshmallows. lovely face, Anna.

And here's a few more of our crew

Top:  Carlee, Kent, Becca, Nicholas, Conner

Bottom:  Payton, Mason, Preston, Anna

I love the golden light from the sunset.  Wouldn't it be great if we could have that all the time?

Well, I think I've reached my limit for today.  More later . . . 

beach house / family reunion / mission homecoming

So before I get into the beach activities . . . . . 

The real reason for this trip and family reunion of sorts was to welcome my brother Mason home after serving for 2 years in the Montana Billings Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

And . . . he is the last missionary on both sides of our family -- 8 for 8.  A pretty big milestone.

Mom had this great idea of getting all the boys together for a group photo -- strap on their missionary nametags, still looking very much like missionaries

Don't they all look so handsome?

Left to right:  Sam (Bolivia), Kent (Portugal), Denver (Brazil), Mason (Montana)

I'm so thankful for these 4 boys men (and for Scott and his 3 brothers) who have set an example for my boys and continued a tradition of missionary service in the family.

Mason is looking and doing great.  He gave a wonderful talk in church and shared some of his mission experiences with us at the beach house.  

The kids had a great time getting re-acquainted with Uncle Mason again

Conner's always looking for someone to battle with him.  On this particular afternoon he went from uncle to uncle trying to pick a fight.  He got trounced a few times.

 

The kids still slip up from time to time in their prayers, blessing "uncle mason on his mission".  But we'll get that one figured out soon.  Welcome home Mason!  We're glad to have you back!

back from the beach

We are back from a wonderful, sunny, tasty, fun-filled, family vacation to the beach.  All of my brothers and all of their families and my parents.  17 people in a great beach front home in California.  

I have lots to show and tell but for now I just wanted to share a few glimpses into our 4 days and 3 nights on the beach.

(oh, and can I give myself a little pat on the back.  I was determined to shoot only in Manual during this trip.  And I did!  I've been practicing for a while (still a learning process) and was pretty happy with the results.)

a room just for me

When we first moved into this house my scrapbook desk, shelves, and computer shared the guest room.  It worked, but after a year or so I moved stuff into a small empty bedroom upstairs.  Ever since then I have had grand plans of showing off this space on my blog because I just plain love it.  But then I'd start a project and the piles would grow, eventually I'd find the time to organize and get through about half of the clutter, and then it would grow again, and so forth and so forth.

Basically, my visions of getting this room to a state of neatness where I felt I could take pictures to show it off have never materialized.

Then my mom asked me to take a few pictures of my workspaces & decor for an article she was doing on Blissful.  I'm always happy to help.  So to get my room picture ready I employed the following tactic -- Move piles from point A to point B - take a picture of A - return piles to A.  Move piles from point B to point A - take a picture of point B - return piles to B.

So, because I don't see a massive overhaul of this room in the near future (maybe a project for next fall?) I'm sharing the pictures I do have.  Because this is as good as it gets.

You come into the room and on the right wall you see this:

I love this work table from IKEA -- it's a stainless steel kitchen island, the UTBY.  I use it for stand-up work.  Love the open shelves, the industrial look, the sturdiness.  The bucket/rail system and picture frames are from IKEA.  Baskets are from assorted locations.

I love love love this black scroll frame.  In fact, I have 2 of them in my house.  I got the idea for the photo collage from Heidi Swapp's blog yonks ago.  The top wood frame includes several phrases and sentiments from Ali Edwards for encouragement in the creative process:  it is ok // embrace imperfection // simplify // don't make it more complicated than it needs to be // have fun // celebrate the everyday // share yourself. tell your story.

The bottom wood frame includes a quote and a little piece of ric rac:  Every morning is a fresh beginning.  Every day is the world made new.  Today is a new day. Today is my world made new. I have lived all my life up to this moment, to come to this day. This moment - this day - is as good as any moment in all eternity. I shall make of this day - each moment of this day - a heaven on earth. This is my day of opportunity.  -Dan Custer

Then in front of you and to your left I have two desks that come to an L-shape with the printer in the corner.  The right desk (not pictured) holds my computer.  And the left desk has more crafty purposes.

Desks and shelves are from the Container Store.  I tried to keep the room mostly neutral - white, black, cream, grey - and add a few punches of red and pink.  I had plans to make a new cover for the vinyl machine, but I changed my mind.  The blue will stay.

And in case you were wondering . . . . . wall color:  Mascarpone (Pottery Barn) and black chalkboard paint.

Ironically enough, my mom's Blissful article was titled, "How to Organize Home Office Clutter."  I definitely need to take her advice and put it into action.  I especially like this tip

Helpful things to gather before tackling the project --   A friend - that can help you stay on track and to have fun conversation with.  Even the worst jobs seem better with a friend to help.

Love it.  Does someone want to come over and be my de-cluttering friend?  :)