Don't know about this one

I'm not sure if it's the picture I'm not so sure about or all the blue... let me know what y'all think.

Curb Appeal

A new layout for this sabbath day. I'm so happy with how much better our house looks now, I can hardly stand myself.

It;s difficult coming home

So, after our fabulous child-free jaunt we came home to visit with friends. Part of the Chan fam just happened to be in town and we were so happy to see them. We were good friends with them when we first moved here to CA, and then they left, so it's good to know we can still be friends. Then, we saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (loved it), a visit to Burgerville (yummy bacon, and freakin' huge onion rings) completed our Friday.

On Saturday we went to our friends, the Grovers. They were friends from Utah and have moved to the Portland area, old friends are always good friends. Especially Dan, he's very, very old. Then I went with my SIL to Bead city where I am attempting to create a new hobby (I hope to have pictures later of my new jewels). Then, after a game of Settlers of Cattan (which, btw,. it's difficult to play Settlers while starting a new hobby, and no one seemed to care) we went to Papa Haydn's for a downtown eating experience. Yummiola, and Drew's sister Carla just happened to be in town too so we were able to be with her! You seriously have to love family... right?

On Sunday it was church and a little photo shoot for the Collins family (shown right). And then dinner with all the family (Drew has 2 sisters that live in Portland, and another that was visiting, it was like a family reunion without the pond).

So, that's our little trip. We loved it, and I was so glad we planned something so fun for this summer. Everyone needs trips. That's my conclusion for this blog entry. FAmily vacations promote bonding and good memories. Go out and plan a trip today!

Me... a princess

Ok, now to one of the best parts of our trip -- our visit to Thornewood castle (previously mentioned in another blog). The first picture is the castle itself. I knew I'd seen it online, but I was prepared to be disappointed (and I feel like we should always feel that way) -- but I wasn't. It's seriously grand. Our room (next picture) was AMAZING, King sized bed (4 poster, could barely jump to get on it), a jacuzzi (complete with bath salts and various bath oils depending on the mood you wanted your bath to be -- I spent at LEAST an hour in the jacuzzi reading Harry Potter, it was possibly one of the most enjoyable times in my life), a great view of the lake and these cute little stained glass areas in the center of all the panes of glass. Loved those. We toured the castle and visted the gardens (with a giant chess set). Completely pictureque (and, believe me, I took pictures -- shocking, but true). We went to a restaurant that night, it was alright, and then got ice cream sandwiches from a local convenience store. Feel the love, and the joy. I mean, you can only be a princess in SO many areas... right?

Seattle

K, we went into Seattle on the second day for the Seattle Center and Pike's market. I'd just like to add HOW FREAKING FAST you can go when your kids aren't around. I mean, we did TWO things in ONE day, not possible with my centimeter/minute walking kids. Pure delight (thanks Kristen). After a bit of an ordeal to find parking, we took the monorail to the Seattle Center (a complex basically built around the space needle -- which we did NOT pay 13 bucks -- each -- to go up in). I could see Drew wanting to go to the Science Fiction Museum and the Experience the Music. They were alright. At least the Science Fiction museum had some interesting things to see (you see Drew at the enterance here on the right) -- Yoda, ET, costumes worn in specific movies. Of course, my Science Fiction knowledge is pretty much limited to some Star Trek and Star wars... but it was still fairly interesting. Then we went to the Experience the Music complex that is next to the Science Fiction museum. We (musical snobs that we are) decided it should be "experience the rock/pop" We (shreik) did get to see Britany SPEARS outfit that she wore in Oops I did it again (OMG... imagine how EXCITED Drew was). It was alright, air conditioned, and child-free. BAscially anything can be enjoyed under those cirucumstances. I have chosen to save one entire blog entry for our hotel that night, so I bid y'all adieu.

Dairy Queen and Seattle

So, this fine picture is from our trip up to Seattle. Some FOOL decided she'd put on this fine ice cream cone costume and walk the streets. I have no idea what town we were in, but the bananna cream/french silk shake was devine! For me, there just isn't enough money out there to have me put in this particular costume. The Second photo is of the underground tour of Seattle (http://www.undergroundtour.com/). Our bed and breakfast innkeeper said we should go. It was REALLY interesting. I won't go into the details of the whole thing, but at one point in time you had to go up a ladder to get across the streets of Seattle and then back down another to go on the sidewalks (they built-up the section of the roads because they had plumbing issues). Anyway, I was a little nervous initially, but it was a very interesting tour. Our first night in SEattle we stayed in the Chinaberry Inn http://www.chinaberryhill.com/ . we had a complementary upgrade, and though I have little to say about the quality of the bed, the breakfast was AMAZING. We had this fruit with creme fresh, and then blueberry pancakes (giant ones) and THEN eggs and bacon (the thick SUPER yummy bacon). I feel lucky just thinking about it. Drew and I were so full after, full and happy. That's bascially how I can sum-up our days to ourself, yummy and happy. Thanks Kristen!!! more tomorrow!

I'm BaaAAack...

Ok, now I chose this picture out of the possible 150 that I took (many of this particular pose, probably about 30 in 1 minute) because THIS is why we went. I mean, seriously, how great it this. I think that we (possibly just me, I hate to over-generalize for my WHOLE famile) forget how great it is to be near family, and for kids to have cousins.
Here Conner and Spencer are with the Erickson clan, and only 3/5ths of them. These are Kristen's, Claudines and Carla's kids (and respective husbands). We had a great time, and I can't wait to blog the rest, but it's 10:49 and since we got home at 2pm and I went to work at 5:30 (they were DYING... I mean, seriously -- is there going to be a day they are NOT DYING?) I think I'd best get to bed. Love to y'all.

Dad

Ok, perhaps this layout is a reminder to myself today. Drew is a GREAT father (I was going to say terribly good... but isn't that an oxymoron?... that's a blog for another day). However, when you're getting ready for a trip, don't you just want to BEAT your husband? I mean, I pack all the kids stuff and my own and all the family stuff, Drew does his and calls it good. Thankfully, when we get home, Drew does most of the unpacking so I guess it's fair. Anyway, I'd better go pack some more.

Friends

Ok, so by the way... the Mormon church is the SMALLEST world ever. If you know someone... you're bound to know someone else. Especially when you went to BYU... Anyway, I have a friend Leslie who has a friend Kendra and THAT friend happens to be my BEST friend from college. I mean, we roomed together 3 years, we were bridesmaids for each other... and have we talked in the last year? No. Anyway, I called her last night {waiving to Kendra}... just like old times. Laying on our beds wondering if we'd ever get married or graduate, and which would come first.

It's weird to think that our lives are totally separate now... a year without talking (possibly less... not really sure), she has 3 kids, we have 2. It's weird to think that the people I am friends with now, could be strangers one day. Makes me want to spend another night at the Regency and catch up. Of course, we'd need a larger bedroom.. and babysitters... and perhaps now we'd wonder if our kids would ever get out of this "phase." Things change my friends... they change.

The final piece...

So, here it is -- the final cake. I think as I step back and remember that he is ONLY 5, and not the President I feel like it's fine. I know... the stars are a little over the top, but I thought I could tie it into the star wars theme a tad more with these fancy little additives. Is this picture blurry? P.S. I'd like to add that you won't be seeing my additions in the "family fun" cake book any time soon... And I'm OK with that, I'll stick to the scrap mags.

Cake update

Ok, after a little help from my mom, I realized it's about the day, and our special boy, not my cake skills (and believe me, for me -- the cake skills have trumped anything the past few years)... so, I just made a batch of the Better Homes and Gardens No-cook fudge frosting, I had a little tasted (washed afterwards, mind you) and it is YUMMIOLA, plus, it's just creamy enough to make me think it might hide a lot of my "issues." Wish me luck gals, I'm goin' in!

My big boy

No more baby for Conner. I think 5's a real turning point. He's reading, he's writing, he's learning, and even today he told me he's creating! He's generally got good behavior and he basically knows right from wrong. The kids a genious. Of course, with each child's birthday is the realization that you've had THAT long witht his kid and WHAT have you done with them!!!! I know that my kids are only on loan from God and that they're my responsability. Lately Conner and I have been reading the friend and it's been amazing to see the clarity that he sees right from wrong and how he cares for others. I love you Conner and I am glad you're growing up! Here he is at soccer class during a water break, and then again in a huddle with his buddies. Happy birthday Conner, here's to 100 more!

AHHHH... CAKE

Ok, I would probably rather have the baby again than make him a birthday cake. I think the particularly saddest part of all of this is that I worked in a BAKERY for like 3 years in collge. I made and FROSTED cakes for a LIVING (which is perhaps why I finshed my job there only making like $5.05 an hour). Anyway, this is the birthday cake from last year and I am completely embarassed about it. It was cracked, the frosting wasn't as blue as i would have preferred and I am the complete loser that bought those nasty Spiderman acessories. Sigh. So, I just pulled the cake out of the oven for this year. Conner chose a rich funfetti cake, for which he should be the envy of the block... However, they're only like 1/2 in high and both have this psycho air bubble in them. I guess they're 9 inch cake pans, and I am used to 8 in cake pans... but STILL. Oh well. That would be it, on the right... Have you seen anything so pitiful. My mom can't even believe I sprung from her loins. OH well... it's just cake, and it I can make a decent fronsting, it'll all turn-out right... right?

The Greatest Joy...

So, I was at work last night, and me and a coworker (waiving to Barbara) were having a talk about something religious, not particularly sure what and she was saying that some people don't want to have kids. I told her that I was one of those people. I mean, I found kids amusing and I figured they must be alright if their parents didn't kill them, but I wasn't all that jazzed about having my own. Of course, now I have two of my own and they truly are my greatest joy. I think that everyone who has kids finds it that way. I mean, initially, you might wonder what on EARTH you got yourself into... but then you slowly sink into your schedule adn realize that these little babes are what life is all about. They truly are my greatest joy and if I hadn't had them, I wouldn't know that kind of joy.

My first computer generated layout -- about Drew. I just printed it out... kinda fun.
For those of you wanting to know Drew's deepest secrets, I'll attach the journaling here:
1. First name? Drew 2. Were you named after anyone? Yes -- My middle name is after my grandfather 3. Do you wish on stars? Yes, on occasion 4. When did you last cry? Hum... {stroking chin} I don’t remember... 5. Do you like your handwriting? Yes, but I seem to be the only one. 6. What is your favorite lunch meat? Ham 7. What is your birth date? January 14, 1975 8. What is your most embarrassing CD? Barry White (I thought it was going to be one Hilary wanted) 9. If you were another person, would YOU be friends with you? Yes 10 Do you have a journal? Yes 11. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Huh... yeah 12. What are your nicknames? Drew-LA-rue, Drew-blood, Drew-blue 13. Would you bungee jump? Yes -- bring it on. 14. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? No 15. Do you think that you are strong? Yeah 16. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Used to be Tin Roof Sundae, anymore it’s something with berries in it. 17. Shoe Size? 9 18. Red or pink? RED 19. What is your least favorite thing about yourself? Overly critical. 20. Who do you miss most? Dave Robertson -- Kozy 106.5 21 Your favorite TV show? Stargate SG1 22. What color pants and shoes are you wearing? Kahki (it’s a shocker) 23. What are you listening to right now? Blues Clues 24. Last thing you ate? Scrambled eggs and Stan’s doughnuts 25. If you were a crayon, what color would you be. Ocean Blue 26. What is the weather like right now? Sunny with few clouds. 27. Last person you talked to on the phone? Jed 28. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Hairstyle
29. Favorite article of clothing: Shoes, comfy shoes. 30. Favorite Drink? Dr. Pepper (in the freezer for 30 minutes preferably in the glass bottle so it mists as you open it). 31. Favorite Sport? Downhill skiing. 32. Hair Color? Brown with flecks of grey. 33. Eye Color? Blue. 34. Do you wear contacts? Yup 35. Favorite Food? Hum... Almost anything Korean. 36. Last Movie You Watched? Incredibles 37. Favorite Day Of The Year? Graduation day -- it means my year of work is finished, even though I have to get ready for the next. 38. Scary Movies Or Happy Endings? Scary movies WITH happy endings (the Abyss). 39. Summer Or Winter? Winter 40. Hugs OR Kisses? Hugs 41. What Is Your Favorite Dessert? Raspberry Gateau -- Papa Haydns (Portland, OR) 42. Your Favorite Restaurant? Huhm... Papa Haydn’s, Bythebucket, and Original Joe’s 43. Favorite store: Fry’s 44. Living arrangements? Married with 2 children, in a lovely home. 45. What Books Are You Reading? Troll’s Grindstone 46. What's On Your Mouse Pad? No Mousepad. 47. What Did You Watch Last night on TV? Stargate Atlantis Marathon 48. Favorite Smells? Mmmm Garlic, BBQ beef, dutch oven potatoes. 49. Favorite Sounds? A great low-brass section, wind whistling through pine trees 50. Rolling Stones or Beatles? Beatles. 51. What's the furthest you've been from home? Seoul, Korea 52. Do you have a special talent? I play lots of instruments, I sing, I make friends pretty easily. 53 What is your ring tone? Cougar Song Questions answered July 9th, 2005

A new layout -- haven't done one for a while, felt good. Started it at 7 am, kinda a loser. 

The Quest for perfection

Ok, so I just finished a book about how the wife was a hotel rater, and she was always searching for perfection in the hotels. Then, it carried into her life and she was judging her husband, wanting him to be perfect too! So... today I'm at the breaking point. It happens every summer. I think that Drew's doing fine, the house looks OK, laundry's getting done, and then one day I open cabinets, I find-out nothing's been deep cleaned, and basically, in an essence he's not me. I like things PUT AWAY. Everything. I want all surfaces to be clear. Now, mind you, we do not have a very big house. IT's actually kinda' small 1200 square feet. We love it, and I've tried to keep it organized (and I try to throw away everything that isn't a necessity). Today though, I'm just thinking, "WHAT IS HE DOING ALL DAY" (which, btw, if he ever thought of me, I'd SLAP him -- I work hard when he's not home -- and I am sure he feels the same way when I'm not here -- dealing with the kids is enough to sap a person's energy -- and I want him to clean?). Anyway, I've realized that some things will only get done by me, even if it means I clean all day and then go to a 11 hour shift, stuff's gott get done.
I'm babbling... shocking.

No workouts

Ok, why is it that I pick to have a goal to work out when it just is NOT working. I was hoping to do something today, since I'm only working 8 hours, but now I think I have a UTI and I have to go to the doctor instead (tmi, I know)... but it seems like EVERY time I make my goal I get TOTALLY sick, or I am working 14 hour days.
I will PERSEVERE, even if I can only work out when it happens I'll keep on trying. Tomorrow I work 12 hours (stupid computer class before work) and the next day we're gonna go to Petamluma to the Mrs. Grossman's sticker factory, and then over to the pier (!). Should be fun, I'm gonna try and watch what I eat and make myself be good.

Well, at least I'm not dripping sweat down my nasty marching band uniform today...

Ok, when I was growing up the 4th of July was HUGE. We'd have family over, we'd go to the parade, we'd put snaps under drill teams' feet while they were in parades and get yelled at by their leaders... good times. Then, for a while I was in the HS marching band (that's right, I was a DRUM MAJOR) and did that on the 4th, giant culmination of a lot of work -- we used to run like a mile up the hills of Provo just to get ready for the event. AFter that my family would sit with another professor and scream funny stuff at all the political guys in the parade. Mucho funny. Today... no fun. I mean, we're having friends over for a BBQ and we're gonna go see the fireworks tonight (and I'll probably sing a round of stadium of frire to myself)... no family, no parades... what a bummer. Anyway, I bought some of those fancy lighted necklaces in hopes to make it a tad more festive. Big fun.

The Grace of God -- Family Dinner

Ok, so after my 14 hour day I wasn't too jazzed about working the next day, but I always think we're poor... so I was willing. However, I did call to be on call, and I was told I woudln't have to come-in until 7 pm. So, we had family dinner. As we sat down I realized I missed it. We hadn't had family dinner all week (and we usually have it every night except the 1 I work). I remember thinking back to family dinner when I lived with my parents and hating it, but I also thought about how the Prophet and Apostles have told us how important having dinner as a family is for our children's well-being. They're right, it's important, even if it's just fish sticks and noodle-roni before mom runs off to work. Love you fam.

the sadness

So, Spencer's sick. He's been sick for almost a week now. It started Monday night, just a fever. Possibly a sore throat. A fever for 4 days, fairly high and now just sad, and sleepy. It BUGS me not to know what's WRONG. I feel as though my sheer intelectual prowess should be able to figure it out. I can't though. I did hold him down and look in his throat today (speaking of sadness), mild erythema. I think if I use big words like that, maybe I'll fix it. I love you Spence, I hope I get a grip over my psychotic wonderings and I hope you feel better.