They're Back!

Remember how Winter and I became besties not so long ago? Well, I have been gifted another reason to grow our relationship...'tis the season for the return of our favorite Mesa peeps!

We posted a "Welcome Back Party Animals" sign a few days before their return. Unfortunately, the tape and the wall got in a little disagreement and the "Party" part of the sign bailed out behind the desk, so all they saw was "Welcome Back Animals."

Oopsie!

The good times have begun and I'm sure Winter will bestow many more upon us.

Love them!

We got to spend a little time reminiscing with Texas Mary and Anne. Good times were had. We love it when people come to visit!

Staycation

con⋅fer⋅ence [kon-fer-uhns, -fruhns]

–noun

1.	a meeting for consultation or discussion: a conference between a student and his adviser.

2.	the act of conferring or consulting together; consultation, esp. on an important or serious matter.

(a partial definition brought to you by dictionary.com)

con⋅fer⋅ence [kon-fer-uhns, -fruhns]

-noun

1. a meeting or discussion about ideas pertaining to the business of everyday business in the business world. Such a meeting is usually accompanied by frequent breaks and a plethora of tasty, fatty, and flavorful foods including but not limited to: various chocolate desserts, fancy schmancy sirloin and jumbo shrimp, wedge salads, roast beef, freshly baked cookies, etc. At the end of the day each participant should walk away feeling rejuvenated and ready to work, and if the exchange of ideas didn't help that, maybe the grab bag of "goodies to go" will do the trick.

2. said conference is made to be better if the spouse of said participant is invited to spend the evening in the hotel forcing large quantities of E.L.Fudge elves to succumb to consumption, relaxing in bed with nary a worry about dishes or home projects, observing the various feats of athleticism so eloquently broadcast by SportsCenter, and sleeping in for a whole extra hour due a drastically reduced morning commute time, thus transforming said conference into a "staycation" of sorts

(a more complete definition brought to you by the Foundation for Trivial Pursuits and Goofoffability)

Kash Flo

So I don't know if you've heard but we're in a recession. Being the very helpful people that we are, we decided to provide a public service to the community this year and remind y'all (that cowgirl within just busts out at the most opportune times) that you can save a ton of money on your car insurance.

So with some time and effort, and a little bit of a stiff back on my part, we came up with the following public service announcements. No thanks needed or expected. Happy money saving...and Halloween!

The building process begins


This is where the stiff back part came in...

but it was totally worth it because after all "You like money. He likes money. Well, he is money."

At the office. Easier than a free throw, it's the money you save with Geico.

(PS Matt didn't win this year, there was a guy that showed up in a full spandex suit as Mr. Incredible and well, you just can't compete with spandex. But, Matt was still in the money and he had a ton of fun with this costume. He had an IPOD and speakers in his pockets so he would walk up outside people's office windows and cue up the theme song and just stand there. He got some great reactions.)

With an apron, a Bump-It, and some iron on letters, I quickly became Flo.

Let's do a side by side comparison shall we?

One stop shopping! Not too shabby!

Everyone loved Kash and Flo

There were a number of little kids that were trying to figure out where Kash's music was coming from. It got a little awkward (and yet hilarious) when a couple of little kids were patting the box and pressing their ears up to discover the secret.

Experiencing Fall

Fall has arrived! Or so I've been told, though in my neck of the cacti you'd be hard pressed to find enough colored foliage evidence to come to a unanimous verdict. Unless you're lucky enough to cross my threshold and feast your eyes upon the glorious colorful fakeness that adorns my abode and reminds me that elsewhere the seasons are changing.

And you know what? I'm perfectly at peace with with the falseness. Fake flowers, false leaves and vines, setting the air conditioner a tad bit lower so I can snuggle up in a blanket and pretend like it's a perfectly crisp autumn evening...what else is a desert girl to do? At least this way I feel like I'm acknowledging and embracing the season.

Pretend transformed to reality this past weekend as Matt and I headed up to the Arizona mountains to sojourn into Fall. Our friends, Jaime and Tyson, were kind enough to invite us to spend the weekend at their cabin.

It was colorful. It was in the "perfect Fall temperature" range. There was adventure and drama, laughter and a few tears (and by tears I am speaking of those that Matt silently wept as the Hokies were handed defeat in Atlanta for the second time this football season). There were quad rides and zip line adventures, and I even wore a sweater to church. Proof positive that Fall has, in all actuality, reared it's beautiful head in real life, and not just in my own silk flowered kitchen of pretend.

Oh HERE you are, Fall!


Matt caught and made friends with this tiny little lizard. I named her Autumn for reasons that are self explanatory.


Prepping for the zip line adventure. That sucker is WAY up there!


View from the top.



Action shots! What a blast!

Each of the girls took me for a ride or two on their quads. I have yet to come across a 4 year old that can drive better than this little miss!

I was lucky enough to get to see the "fort" and then we had a fun time playing with the camera. She was telling me how to pose and how to smile, it was a crack up!

After a rousing game of Ticket to Ride (sans the football watching guys) we had some more fun with the camera and the girls discovered that their cute little brother was a very willing model. Thanks Breinholt Family for letting us share the weekend with you! We had a fabulous time!

Cowboys and Sun Devils

Last week I had the opportunity to get in touch with my inner cowgirl, and boy howdy does that cowgirl enjoy coming out to boogie!

Especially when the boogieing is to the accompaniment of Brad Paisley. Cowboy knows how to put on a show, I'll tell you what! His opening acts were Jimmy Wayne and Dierks Bentley who each have a fair amount of talent themselves. And by fair amount, I mean loads! And, luckily for all of those cowboys, I was in the audience singing at the top of my little cowgirl lungs. I'm sure the crowd around me appreciated it!

A few days post concert, I got to play Sun Devil fan as ASU took on Oregon State at Sun Devil stadium. We made it a girls' night and had a blast! Though, to be completely honest, there was probably more chatting than cheering. Oregon State came away with the win, and due to the fact that I was only playing dress up as a Sun Devil fan, I overcame the disappointment with ease.

Cowboys and Sun Devils...sounds like a title for a #1 hit single! I'll let you know if Brad Paisley calls for the rights!

Our friends the MacLay chicks, such fun concert companions!

We got there quite early, so we had a grand ol' time taking pictures and dozing on the blankets. It was a beautiful night to be a cowgirl!

Great show! My little cowgirl within had a fabulous time!

And I got to go home with this Sun Devil capped cowboy. I am one lucky lil cowgirl!

I promise the shirt I was wearing had a Sun Devil on it! What a fun night!

Fishing For A Win

I made a new friend whilst sojourning in Oregon. Her name is "The Ugly Stick." Or TUS for short. And boy howdy did we become besties in a matter of hours.

It was a rocky start at first. Matt's new friend was a lot more helpful in the beginning and I was getting a teeny tiny bit jealous. But, eventually I gave her the right type of food and we made a connection. It was a beautiful moment out on the McKenzie River. Old Reliable and my new friend, The Ugly Stick, came through for me!

PS Don't you think The Ugly Stick is a fabulous name for a fishing pole?! Imagine all the fishies swimming away in fear because The Ugly Stick (to be said in a deep dark menacing voice with a creepy "Muahahaha" laughing in the background) has once again returned to the banks of the river. TUS helped me catch one fish this time around and I'm sure our future together is bright!

The University of Oregon had an ugly stick of their own, and they beat Cal soundly with it. We were there to witness the glorious victory. And, those peeps in Oregon know how to cheer on a football team! We left with our voices a little more scratchy and horse than when the day began.

Hooray for a new and "ugly" friend!



Matt also had a fabulous day with Old Reliable. Five fishies found their way to the hook on the end of his line (and later into the frying pan for a delicious dinner).

Success!

My dad, grandpa, and wonderful hubby made my fishing trip a most enjoyable one! I got to do the only parts I like to do, casting and reeling in...they took care of the rest (the more icky parts of the fishing experience) and I am ever so grateful!

My grandma makes the ginchiest cheerleader around! For those of you that don't know, ginchy means "the epitome of cool."

Old Reliable is looking as beautiful as ever!

Of course, we feasted at Ike's Pizza after our successful day on the river. A practice that has a become a tradition I love!

The three C's of post fish catching activity: cleaning, cooking, consuming!



Game Day!

Our crew! We had a blast and it was a VERY sunny day at Autzen Stadium...perfect for a football game!

Sure do love that sister of mine!

A fun time had by all! Well...except for the Cal fans.

(PS they let everyone onto the field five minutes after the teams clear off so we headed down and walked around on the turf...what a fantastic experience (pun intended...sometimes my wittiness cracks me up).

My Magical Secret Spot

As a little girl at the beach, I was convinced that if I squinted my eyes just right and stared long enough across the great waters, I could see the coast of China. Don't ask me where I got ideas like that. I also used to think there was a little man in my tummy cranking a big wheel to crush up all of my food. No idea where that one came from either.

After many a science class, I no longer believe there is a little wheel turner in my belly, but I do still love to stare out across the ocean.

When we were at the coast last week, I saw a few fishing boats, a lighthouse, lots of birds and waves, some tide pools, and yet...even with binoculars I still couldn't see China. I gazed and scanned the horizon as I listened to the waves crash against the rocks in my girlhood "secret spot." I spent hours on those rocks each summer that our Oregon Coast excursions took us up to Yachats (pronounced yah-hots). I used to believe there was magic in that little town...harbored in the beautiful rocky shoreline. There was, and still is something so peaceful about watching the waves crash in perfect rhythm. And this trip I found tranquility and simplistic joy in watching Matt explore and discover all of the wonderments that fascinated me as a child. And I came to realize that though I can't see China from my "secret spot" that really isn't so secret, the magic is there. And it is captivating.

My "secret spot" then

My "secret spot" now

This picture resulted in...

a little bit of wetness. I think it was totally worth it, I don't know if he feels the same.




So much to explore!

We found a bunch of little crabs, and as soon as Matt saw them he got all excited and exclaimed, "I need a stick!"

He found one, and had a grand ol' time.

So peaceful.

My dad is a dutch oven cooking extraordinaire!

I can't even describe the deliciousness of these Dr Pepper Pineapple Ribs and the Cheesy Garlic Potatoes. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it! We ended the evening with a few rousing games of UNO and went to bed with the sound of the tide in our dreams.

We took an early morning walk the next day...hence the reason I look like I just woke up in this picture.

Sure do love these peeps!

Matt loved feeling the sea "enemies" grab onto his fingers.


I'm telling you...tide pools have their own special kind of magic!




Born of goodly parents!
(PS my mom gets awesome beach hair...especially when it's a bit windy)


Tranquility.

Next on the agenda was the aquarium. Good times were had!



I touched a shark! (Confession...it kind of freaked me out)


That is a big set of chompers!

Along our scenic drive.

We ended our days of adventuring on the Oregon Coast with a trip to the Portland Temple. Another place of peace and tranquility.

Reminders

We spent last week curled up in the luscious cool green arms of the Northwest. And whilst our vacation was fun and relaxing, I found that the first few days were full of reminders.

I was reminded how much I just love and adore my family and am so thankful to know that they are mine for eternity.

I was reminded of the power of friendship.

I was reminded and reassured that all prayers are answered. Even if sometimes the answer is no. Even if sometimes the answer is five and a half years in coming. I'm so thankful for answered prayers and an eternal perspective.

I was reminded of how much I love to sleep under the stars and ponder on the mysteries of the universe.

I was reminded how much I love homemade blackberry jam but don't love picking the thorny blackberries at the end of the season.

I was reminded how lucky I am to have been married to my best friend for two whole years! He is my everything.

And, I was reminded that even disguised...love always shines through and ultimately prevails.

Case in point!

Matt got pooped on by a snake on our anniversary search for blackberries. Happy Anniversary Babe!

You might be surprised to know that I'm actually not the toughest berry picker ever. I had a hard time finding even enough to cover the bottom of my bucket. Luckily my magic uncle was visiting because he can pull berries from thin air! We had plenty for a double batch of delicious jam!

Later that evening we got all gussied up and went out for a celebratory anniversary dinner. The restaurant just so happened to be at the same place we spent our wedding night. We love and have fond memories of the Excelsior Inn. We had a wonderful time being together and enjoying the delicious food. In fact, we ate dessert at the restaurant, took two other desserts home with us and still...

stopped at TCBY on the way home! That's my kind of celebration! I'm so lucky to be in love with my best friend!