What time is it? Summertime!

Yep, all the way off, baby!

Swan Lake...Swan Pond at La Caille

Yesterday when we were returning from a wedding shower in SLC, Alex insisted that we would do a quick drive-by the La Caille restaurant. If you are not familiar (like I'm not) with this restaurant, it is an EXTREMELY expensive French restaurant. Alex is the only one in our family who has dined in there. He is proud to say that he had "Escargot with Artisan Bread" while having an exclusive meal with other fellow French students. I had never even been inside the gated area, and I was totally impressed by the landscape, the roaming animals (we saw these swans..also black ones, bunnies etc.), the quaint cottages, the expensive cars parked on a nice lawn, and the main restaurant building. What a gorgeous place! Maybe one of these days we even get to go inside and have a nice meal.

If left stranded, my MacGyver only needs two things

I have noticed over the years that when Rod is fixing things, that there are only two things that he frequently uses.

A wire hanger. It has SO many uses that I can't even list all of them here. The latest use was to dig out the bird's nest out of our dryer vent. Just know... when in doubt, use a wire hanger.

A white sock. This is the best tool Rod has discovered.

Here are the many uses of the best invention, ever:

- cleans spills (any spills: blood, oil, soda, water)

-a snotty nose gets a good wipe with this baby

-shines shoes

-shines and cleans floors

-plugs things

-good insulation on camping trips

-work as substitute for gloves

-good storage (goggles, shoes, iPod, water bottles, guns)

-ice pack

and many, MANY more..oh yeah, and covering for your feet

Memorial Day sale and Family event

We had a busy weekend. Saturday morning Alex and I went to three basketball games in West Jordan High. The drama started when the opposing team coach was kicked out of the game, and him chasing the ref around the gym for 5 minutes. Finally the coach left but the ref was distracted for the rest of the game.

Rod returned from Mexico on Saturday afternoon. He had a very successful week there.

Saturday night we went to see the new Indiana Jones movie. It was good but not as good as 1 and 3.

Sunday morning we drove to SLC to witness Kristy and Peter's baby Joshua's blessing. Rod's oldest sister, Lexia was there with her family, and Rod's youngest sister Liz and her fiancé, Brad were there.

Sunday night we went to the Williams to play games. Men won (I'm sure cheating was involved).

It was raining all day on Monday, so our plans went up in flames (golfing, gardening etc). Rod took Alex and Elle to a movie in the afternoon while I baked and prepared for the bbq later in the evening.

Monday night we spent at the Williams' having a bbq with lots of family (their family) and friends and food. Then the Williams' came to our house to watch the Transformers movie, which they hadn't seen before. Yea for surround sound!


Last Sunday when we were driving around in Salt Lake, we came upon this sign at the Larkin cemetery. Perfect time to advertise a sale at the local cemetery at Memorial Day, don't you think?



Liz and Brad, the happy couple to be wed on June 5th.

"Alooohaaaa" in 14 days

We will be doing the Hula in Maui in 14 days.

The Jonas Brothers make you dance

Last night after YW the Beehives came to our house to watch the American Idol finale. When the Jonas Brothers took the stage, so did Misty and Rachel. They were rocking out like you wouldn't believe. It was so fun to watch. Fun girls.

Essentials for a good night's sleep

I have noticed that the older I get the less I tolerate Rod's cell phone calls at midnight or his 2am TV watching. So, I have come up with the "essentials" list of what I need every night so I can have a good night's sleep.


Ear plugs are a must. The foam kind are the best because I can squeeze them and they slip into my ear canal just right, blocking all the noises out. Don't let them drop on the floor because your pet will eat them. Something about the ear wax that makes them tasty, I guess.


Eye shades will block the flickering lights from the TV. ESPN is especially horrible with all the sport scenes. That will drive me absolutely insane without these handy shades. I'm thinking about blocking the ESPN channels altogether.



Good mattress. I have still yet to find a mattress that has a place holder for my boobs and stomach when I sleep on my stomach. I could make millions with that invention, I'm convinced. I mean, simple cut outs into the mattress...how difficult is that, mattress maker men!

Fan in my room is a must. Especially in our bedroom. With the old windows letting all the hot air in during the summer, the fan will keep the room nice and cool. It also helps to block out the annoying snoring noises, if I happen to lose my ear plugs.

Yes, I have spent numerous nights looking like this woman here. If this is also your story, ear plugs definitely help. You may even try to stuck the ear plugs into his nose, or stuff the mouth full of them. Kick on the side of his ribs seem to lessen the snoring, as well.

The most important essential is that my husband goes on a business trip and I don't need ear plugs or eye shades, and my slumber will be peaceful for at least a little while...until the hubby comes home and I need to dig out the whole arsenal again. But for this week, I get to sleep without distractions. Ahhhh.

End of an Era

Last night we had the last farewell party with the Wildcats team. All the players and their families came to celebrate. A few of the players who were not on the team anymore also came. It was a bitter sweet night. Rod did such a great job with these boys. He tried to raise them as great men while competing in soccer. I think he succeeded.

Go crazy, boys!

Summer belongs to Alex

After a long day's work doing a service project at the Jr. High and then working on the sprinklers with Rod, Alex took a well deserved break, and laid on the front yard with a hose in his hands and just sprayed water into the air, and let it fall on him to cool him down. It was a nice 90 degree (32 degrees Celcius) day, so the water felt so good. I remember doing this same thing when I was little, except, I laid in my bed and I would purge my lips so the spray of spit would fly in the air and fall on my face. Not quite the same effect, but the idea was the same.

Alex spying on the neighbor kid, Jared, for some water fight action. Jared got soaked to the bone, thanks to Alex. See the evil look on his face. That's never a good sign.

Summer is almost here, and I must say that I love our neighborhood for that. We just have this special place where the kids can run free and easy all day and all night. Can hardly wait for it!

Before and After