another one bites the dust

I was absolutely heart broken today, to receive my discontinuation postcard in the mail for one of my favorite magazines, Cookie. First Domino. Now this. What will I have to inspire me in all things kid decor and mommy hipness? Does anyone have a good replacement for me... I am really bummed out about it.

cash and the red slush attack

Yesterday, after spending several hours of errand running - I felt it only fair to reward the boys good behavior and patience with some slushies... plus mama needed her some diet coke, so we stopped off at the local gas station. I got the boys their slush and as we were walking up to pay - they discovered the popcorn machine. I had just bought some microwavable popcorn at the grocery story, so I was determined to save a little cash, and just make the boys some when I got home.

Cash did not like this idea one bit. How did I know this you ask? He proceeded to chuck his full RED slushy across the room of the gas station. Red foamy slush went EVERYWHERE! People's legs, the floor, the displays, the racks of candy. I was mortified. It took everything in me to keep from crying while I was wiping off people's shoes and scraping up the sea of red that now blanketed the floor.

It's hard. Jack has always been my sweetheart - he mostly always listens to what I say and rarely gets out of hand - while Cash... well, after the red slush episode of 2009, I think I'm a little afraid of him.

happy turkey time

The schedule:

1:00pm We are having my whole family over this year for thanksgiving. The grandmas, the grandpas, the aunts and uncles and cousins and such. Eat some turkey, have some pie, rub our bellies and clean up.

6:00pm We start all over. We then are having Ryan's whole family over for thanksgiving dinner part 2. The grandmas, the grandpas, the aunts and uncles and cousins and maybe even a dog or two.

I think I am insane, but excited. Maybe I should just be afraid. It's going to be one crazy day. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

mighty mike

Tomorrow my brother-in-law takes on his first go with chemo. Last week, we were literally floored, to discover that Mike was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Without getting too personal, even though I'm pretty sure only my mom reads my blog, I just wanted to post that I am praying my heart out for you tomorrow and for the months to come Mike. That all our thoughts are for you, Shelby and cute Tanner tomorrow. We love you.

For anyone else reading this - maybe sneak Mike into a pray or two of yours tomorrow for me if you don't mind. We know Mike is mighty and strong, but I don't think it would hurt to have a little extra help on the side.

Now go dominate Mike.

it's just what gets me through

Ryan is off tomorrow on tour with Sarah Sample and Paul Jacobsen. It is only a week - but it still makes me homesick for him. My only solution for my lonely heart, is to make myself some really good mix tapes to drive along to, to make dinner to, and to work the late empty nights with. I have some newly acquired Greg Laswell covers I am digging, along with some Scott Orr and Sarah Lov. But Ryan's newest recommendation, Hello Kavita, is what I'm really loving. Where would I be without good music. Sad and missing my Ryan I suppose. I hope the Great SRP November tour of 2009 is adventurous.

Hurry home.

yellow tree, let's be friends

Oh, how much I adore fall.

H1N1

I feel so weird about this whole H1N1 thing. I was in line today at the Walgreens to get a vaccination and after I received my golden ticket, this cute little 66 year old lady behind me, fitting the requirements to allow her the vaccine, was turned away because she was one year over the cut off date. I get it - there is a shortage, and they have to set up guidelines to distribute it out or it would be all chaos, but it still leaves me feeling weird. I feel weird that I can get it, but my parents can't - like I can board the life boat, but I have to sit and watch everyone else while the water comes in.

Okay - a little dramatic, I know. It just feels wrong. I wanted to give up my vaccine to this lady, but they said she couldn't have it either way. I don't like how it made me feel to watch her walk away so sad. I don't like the idea of me somehow being more important then her.

can I see some ID?

Tonight a door to door sales person came to our house tonight and asked, "Hello, are your parent's home." I tried hard not to laugh, politely said they weren't and said good evening. That was an easy way of getting out of a long drawn out scheme to get me to buy a 2 years subscription to a magazine I didn't want or 20 gallons of nuclear carpet cleaner.

A few weeks prior to this, when getting my flu shot, I was informed I would need a parent's signature (the nurse assuming I was not 18). I figured if I have given birth to 2 kids, hold a mortgage, and pay the bills - I should be allowed to get a vaccine without my mommies permission.

But now I am starting to wonder a little, while I may have a young face, maybe I don't dress my age. Do I look like I am underage because I dress that way? I might have to do a serious wardrobe evaluation this weekend.

free mondays

The boys and I hit up the free monday at the Museum of Natural History today down by the U of U. It happens on the first monday of the month and I love to go spend an hour digging for dinosaur bones, exploring the bug exhibits (they have the most disgusting new spider from Florida right now - scary enough to make me never want to visit the warm state ever again) and not having to pay a dime for it.

They had a new exhibit on minerals and rocks that Jack loved. Cash was terrified of the dinosaur bones, and we managed to make it out of the gift shop with two 94 cent dinosaurs and no tears.

a healthy surprise

I made these carrot-cake muffins out of my Deceptively Delicious book this week and was happily surprised at how yummy they tasted. I was missing an item for the frosting, so I just used a creme cheese store bought frosting I had left over in the fridge. So far, I have liked almost ever recipe that I have tried off this book. Jack and Cash still aren't that hip on eating most of it - but I think once they are a little older, it will be an easier sell. They did, however, like the muffins - and I was happy I was sneaking carrots, cauliflower, prunes and apricots into their diet. How deceptive! (sorry - bad joke)

CARROT CAKE MUFFINS
Prep Time: 10min
Total Time: 35 min
12 muffins

ingredients:
+ Nonstick cooking spray or paper muffin cups
+ 1/2 cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar (I used light)
+ 4 TBS margarine
+ 1 cup carrot puree
+ 1/2 cup cauliflower puree
+ 1 large egg
+ 2 TBS frozen orange juice concentrate
+ 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
+ 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
+ 1/4 cup pitted prunes, chopped
+ 2 cups all-purpose flour
+ 1 tsp baking powder
+ 1 tsp basking soda
+ 1 tsp cinnamon
+ 1/4 tsp allspice

directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350. Coat muffin tin with cooking spray or line with paper cups.
2. In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon to beat the sugar with the margarine until smooth. Stir in the purees, egg, orange juice concentrate, and vanilla, and then the apricots and prunes. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and allspice, and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; there are supposed to be lumps in the batter.
3. Divide the batter among the muffin cups. Bake until the tops of the muffins are lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean from center of muffin. Approx. 12 - 15 minutes.

Super yummy.

a month of festivities

I keep thinking I'm going to be better at blogging. But I'm not.

So once again, I find myself doing a recap blog of the past events and weeks.

I know winter is upon us, but it still surprised me to wake up and find snow on the lawn this week. Jack's eyes about bugged out of his sockets when he discovered the miracle and was eating his cereal in his snow gear in anticipation to get out and try out the new laid snow. We made little snowmen, Cash ate some snow, and then we decided to come in for the first cup of hot-coco of the season. Then the snow really came. So of course, I had to take Jack back out again to make a proper and larger snowman. He spent the entire day looking back out the window - all up until he went to bed - to make sure his new made friend was still there. I am dreading when the sun will finally take him out. I am just crossing my fingers the snow holds off till the trick-or-treating is finished.


October has been really fun this year. I guess the addition of kids makes you get more into holiday spirit. I love any holiday - any excuse to eat great food and hang out with the closest of friends and family, and this month has been no exception.

We took the boys to the Red Butte Garden After Dark with a bunch of our friends - (I would show you pictures, but unfortunately Cash demolished my camera just prior to this event) - and I recommend to anyone. There were pumpkins to paint, hot chocolate and cider, spooky walk ways, broom-stick crafts and mazes for the smaller kids. It was a great night.

The next day, we took the boys to Boo-At-The-Zoo with Ryan's sisters. The weather was perfect. We got to see the adorable baby elephant and giraffe, while the boys practiced their trick-or-treating skills. Jack and Cash refused to wear anything but their costumes for the next 2 days.

We then had our friends, Jamie, Jill, Fayth, Jennie and Jeff over that night, for a massive pumpkin carving extravaganza. Jennie roasted up some of her famous seasoned pumpkin seeds, Jeff made his delicious wassail, Jill made a yummy pumpkin role (please send the recipe), and I put too much ginger in my butternut squash soup - nuts.


Tonight - all the grandkids met up at Grandma and Grandpa's house for another pumpkin carving event. Cash and Jack both walked away with stellar carvings and had a fun night filling their bellies with pizza, candy and just hanging out with the cousins.

Tomorrow Ryan and Atherton, are playing an opening set for a Halloween movie/party downtown (at the Rose Wagner Theater if anyone wants in), and then the next day is Halloween. Yippee!

(sigh) This is the most celebrating I have ever done towards Halloween. I think I will need a nap after this month is out.

where the wild things are

Jack and I have been anxiously awaiting the release of Where The Wild Things Are. It comes out tomorrow - I am not sure if we will be able to find a babysitter for our own wild thing, Cash - so we may have to wait a day or so to see it. We have watched the trailer at least once if not more a day since it debuted.

At his last birthday, Aunt Jennie and Uncle Jeff gave Jack the Wild Things and Max dolls. He takes the entire posse with him where ever he goes - along with his favorite ratty bear of course.

While I was looking up some reviews on the movie tonight, I found this great interview with the author of the children's book, Maurice Sendak, and director Spike Jonzes with screenwriter Dave Eggers.

I especially loved the part about the wild things being created after his aunts and uncles from Europe. Or the part about the controversy over the words "and it was still hot" at the end of the book. You should take time to read it.

I have been completely fixated on this movie ever since the trailer played out with that amazing Arcade Fire song, to which Jack has every word memorized, and can sing the melody perfectly. I can't wait to see this movie. I have always loved the book. I know it is going to be amazing.

your ears will thank you

If you are itchin' for some new tunes - the latest Pearl Jam is a tasty treat to lay upon your ears. Go give yourself a listen. For you softies... Just Breath and The End are amazing. Or if you like to rock out like Cash and Jack do, listen to Got Some, The Fixer and Unthought Known. Jack has the lyrics almost memorized - while Cash has some wicked dance moves he likes to break out. We are so proud.

ah, Sarah.

Tonight I went down to visit Ryan at the studio. The hymns record is going amazingly well, from what I have heard, and so I wanted to just hang out a bit and watch in envy as all these musicians effortlessly do their thing.

Somehow though, I found myself in front of a mic, clapping my hands along with the beat, singing along with the latest song being recorded. Now don't get any ideas - I can't sing. And I'm not being modest. In church I was once called to be the music leader for the primary. Each week was torture for me - and I'm sure everyone else ... In fact, if any of you know me at all - you know I am not a shy person by nature, but I hate anything that puts that kind of spotlight on me. Singing in front of people is at the top of the list of things I can live my life without.

So tonight, while I let someone film me - while someone else was recording everything - while I was standing next to someone who can sing... really really sing (ah - Sarah Sample, you have the most amazing voice - and you sing as if it was no effort at all. I'm happy I could hear more of you then me tonight) - I was a little more out of my comfort zone then usual. But even then, in all my self-voice loathing - I have to admit I had a little fun, and I really liked being apart of the process of recording this thing.

Overall, I loved being able to see Ryan for more then the 2 seconds before he goes out the door. I love watching him sing like he does, when I can tell he is having a great time - and completely opposite to me - totally in his element. I loved eating M&Ms while I watched video's of Sarah S. adorable little girl dancing it up around the living room, to have some great chat time with my cute friend Rachel Hardy, and to get to snuggle baby Huck (Sarah and Scott Wiley's newest family addition) - and all over some great Thai food (although I was less then happy to find us a little short on our order. Thanks alot Spicy Thai!).

All in all, a good night.

the beginning of something great

Last night we had a big BBQ to start off the recording of the hymns record. Ryan and as many amazing musicians that I feel lucky enough to call our friends - are coming together to record a bunch of gospel hymns. We had everyone over to eat some mighty good grub and let the spouses and kids mix it up as they planned out the next week and tried out some of the songs they may record.

Although I have no musical talent - I even found myself singing along in the kitchen as I was cleaning up the sea of dixie cups - and thought this record is going to blow people's minds. My old friend Jed Wells - who I know from the arts program at BYU - is going to be filming and documenting the entire thing. His stuff is amazing and I have been drooling over the small mini youtube test videoes he has been uploading. If Ryan gives the go ahead, I'll post a few...

But for now - I am just so happy I got to meet so many cool people last night, on top of hanging out with some of my most favorite people on this planet. Man I love me some good ol' fashioned get togethers.

side note, it's fajita night

The hard part about claiming that you are going to post a "catch up" blog entry - is that you have to own up to it once you don't. I keep getting distracted, and now I can't quite remember even what I was going to write about.

Jack had his birthday at the beginning of last month. My little heartbreaker. Turning 4 seems so strange. It ends the great era of not having to pay for him at most events - suddenly I realize he needs to be going to school, and that about blows my mind. How did time get away with letting him grow up so fast. We had a great party with the extended fams. I feel pretty lucky to have everyone in both our families live within 10 minutes of each other (for the time being).

Cash is still refusing to say much. But he has finally added Jack's name to his 3 word vocabulary. I know he's smart, so I think he is doing it just to spite us. He is much more brave then Jack ever was, and is constantly finding himself in situations I never had to worry about with Jack. He is our daredevil and I have my work cut out for me. But I love the little monster. I can't seem to squeeze and kiss him enough these days.

Freelance work has been busy. It is always a love/hate relationship I have with being able to work from home. I love the flexibility of it - the chance to bring in some extra cash flow - but it usually requires me to let the house go to waste, dinner to not be on the table, the boys to get into a lot more trouble then should be allowed, and a LOT of nights staying up into the wee hours of the morning to get things finished why the boys sleep. It leaves me with zero free time to do anything else (my excuse for being horrible at blog updates).

I have been trying to make as much salsa as possible before the summer produce comes to an end. I wish I was more dedicated to can it and have it all winter long, but I haven't reached that deep into my homemaking skills.

Ryan and I did get to sneak away the other night and watch The Invention of Lying. I have heard it has caused some what of a stir amongst religious groups, but I thought it was hilarious - and had some very sweet moments. It had a great cast of actors and their mini rolls. Plus, I love me some Ricky Gervais.

And that pretty much sums up what I have been doing this last month. I would have included photos - but it would have pushed me back another month, so as boring as it is, you can now consider yourself updated. There.

hello fall

I must admit. Fall is my favorite of all the seasons. I love the way the air smells so crisp as it's just about to get cold. I love how the colors begin to fade while the trees begin to burn on fire with their autumn leaves. I love wearing rain boots and scarves, beanies and hoodies...

But one of my new favorite things about the end of summer - and the beginning of all, is taking the boys to the state fair.

Jack was all over the rides this year (a big leap from the one ride he would dare try last year), the funnel cakes were to die for, the people were hilarious to watch, and the cows were fatter then ever.

Ryan missed out - as he had a show with Paul & the Madison Arm - so I am sorry to rub it in, but it was a pretty great night.

some where along the way

I don't know quite when it happened, but somewhere along the way - my life suddenly got way too busy. Events keep passing me by, and I think "hmm, I should blog about this" and then I let a week slip away. I am very close to getting on top of things - and will give a full report soon...

movie recommendation

Last night Ryan and I managed to get the boys in bed in enough time to snatch up a good movie. Thanks to Jed Wells for the recommendation.

watch:
AdventureLand

i am so lame

My allergies have reached an all time low.

Somewhere along the way they decided that the uncontrollable itching of my nose, eyes - and well face, the stuffiness and constant sneezing, the blood shot vampire eyes - it just wasn't enough. I now have some crazy superhero sensitivity to the sun and all light. I went to meet a client the other day - and couldn't even keep my eyes open during our meeting. I am listening to her talk about her company as I look like I am off daydreaming of unicorns and cotton candy.

To top it off... I have turned into one of Ryan's all time, top 5, worst pet peeves. I have to wear sunglasses indoors! Even regular light hurts - starring at my computer hurts...I am a freak of nature now, not trying to look too cool in my pain - but looking like a tool all the same.

My appointment with my Ophthalmologist could not come soon enough. Will I ever be the same again? Oh great day.

(side note: Picture is not of me. I do not own this adorable cute dress, nor have I mustered up the courage to get my short back. I only wanted to really hit home how ridiculous I am right now.)

Jack is no more.

Jack woke up this morning and declared that he was Buzz Lightyear. He has spent the entire day only responding to any questions or converstations if you first say "hey Buzz...". During his nap, I could hear him talking in his sleep, saying over and over in the moniter: "I am Buzz, I am Buzz, I am Buzz."

How great to be 3.

our little family

Jon posted our family photos today, and I couldn't be happier. Jon is a master - the shoot in San Francisco, and the chance to dine over cheap Chinese food with Jon and his workshop attendees was a memory we won't soon forget. Thanks Jon for being, well - maybe the coolest human being we know.

Click here to see some shots...I'll post more once I have the disk.

oh i love this

all covered in boo-boo's

This last Saturday, we joined Ryan up at Park City, for a small gig he had with Paul J and the Madison Arm, at the local arts festival. It was cool to walk around and see all that amazing (and sometimes weird) artwork. Although, most of the time was spent trying to keep Jack from touching (and then inevitably breaking) some $5000 moose head, or keeping Cash happy enough to stay belted in the stroller.

The guys played their set - in front of a stereotypical crowd of older nature loving individuals who were there just to drink their beers under umbrellas in order to escape the heat, and could care less about who was on stage. Then on our way down Park City Avenue, we managed to find a kind gentleman (and yes, I am using the word "kind" very VERY loosely) who wanted to quickly back out his truck into our car.

Car accidents are the worst. I have to say, I was amazed to see how badly someone - such as our new friend in the black truck - could behave when, he being the one who was at fault - who could clearly see he had hit a car with children, and didn't bother once to come up and see if everyone was okay.

I was happy that our friends Scott and Sarah were still behind us - and generously offered us use of their car for the day and weekend so we could get our sad, hungry, hot boys home. I was also in love with the kind bar tenders and waiters at the Butchers Bar & Grill who came to my rescue with providing the boys bar stools inside their joint and ice cold lemonades to distract them while I made the many phone calls to our insurance comany, to try and arrange towing while Ryan dealt with the police reports.

All in all - just another relaxing weekend. Our poor sad volvo... "all covered in boo-boo's" as Jack put it. As much fun as it is for me to crawl out my window when I want to exit the car, I do hope you get well soon.

i feel so lucky

BFFs Jill and Jamie put in a good word for me when their Mom decided to give away this amazing vintage couch/seat. I pulled up last week to return some things and was completely floored when she asked if I wanted it. It is is stellar condition and it is something I have drooled over for years. Mama Melton - you are the best! A million thank you's will never be enough. 

I asked Cash to try and recreate my excitement. Here is his best attempt:

dreamy

emily will have to post the words ... i will post the photos.

we spent lots of time driving with the windows down listening to aimee mann and the jayhawks. we had our photos taken and ate yummy food in chinatown with dear jon canlas and friends, ate ice cream sundaes at ghiradelli square and toured old boats in the san francisco bay. We played on the beach in Lake Tahoe and ate chicken and pasta with cousin chris and his darling wife sarah. We played with goats and monkeys at the zoo, jumped on hotel beds, visited the sacramento temple and stared in disbelief at some of the things you would not believe in a winnemuca walmart. not in any particular order.

we are a happy family, and had the time of our lives.

ryan, emily, jack and cash.