Mmmmm .... Wish You Could Smell This ....

Last week I decided to do some baking ... and of course bread is just about my favorite thing to make. The top mini loaves are banana bread as are the mini-rounds (although they almost look like donuts) and the bread below is rosemary peasant bread which you can find the recipe for here. AND I might add all of this is soo hard to resist .... especially when I'm trying to avoid flour and sugar for that fact these days! But, if you have the time and are having guests over for dinner, I highly recommend the rosemary bread along with butter or a little olive oil and vinegar for dipping. FANTASTIC! Enjoy!

Recipe will make two loaves ... I froze one for future use .... this one is now on my hips!

The Suspicious Package ...

Tonight as I was riding the metro home and I saw / found what I would term as a "suspicious" package. I left work at my usual time of 4:25 ish ... and headed to Federal Triangle metro. I boarded the metro and started out wide awake then realized it was time for my power nap. However, about two stops before mine, I awoke from my power nap and my car was much less crowded. I noticed a paint can under the seat of a man across and up a few rows from me. I remembered the man coming on to the train and knew the paint can was not his. But, I did not notice it before. Perhaps because it had been hidden by fellow riders along with purses, backpacks, brief cases, jackets, newspapers, books, lunch bags, etc. But this paint can did not appear to have a top but was covered with aluminum foil. Hmmm, I thought. This seems a bit out of place especially during rush hour traffic. So, as we are pulling in to the final stop (and I have now looked over those who are left on my train to see if anyone is looking suspicious as well) decide to make a comment to the man who was sitting above the paint can. I asked him, "Is that your paint can?" and of course he said no. I said, well to me that is quite out of place and constitutes a suspicious package. So, I went to the end of our car and pushed the emergency red button. I pushed it SEVERAL times and no one answered. But, now we are stopped and people are getting off and others are starting to get back on. Other riders, say thank you for seeing that .... we'll try to locate someone as well. In the meanwhile, still no answer at the "Emergency" button. I then proceed to tell a woman with a stroller not to get on the car until this "package" is removed along with several others whom were boarding. A man appeared with his metro logo clothes and we pointed it out to him. He called it in on the radio and left the package behind. I'm thinking, well I would not feel comfortable picking it up either ... at least not without gloves and perhaps a dog to sniff it out. I took the escalator to the top and again mentioned the situation to the metro officials in the booth. They thanked me and I was on my way. I never heard a trian blow-up and I have no idea if it really was just a paint can left on the metro. But, really ... who takes a paint can on the metro and then forgets it? Really? Don't you think it was suspicious too?

PS - I say suspicious because they broadcast constantly, if you see something, say something. Report all suspicious packages.

Quote of the Week

Keep an eye on your kitchen scale and your

bathroom scale will take care of itself!

Unknown

PS - Down another pound!

I Cheated!

I can not tell a lie .... I cheated this afternoon ... 6 of these babies with a little peanut butter on them. And they were DELICIOUS! The weekends are SO hard to eat well on! Running errands, looking at birthday cakes, having all kinds of yummy food all around you ... a cheese stick and carrots just were not going to do it for me. BUT, seriously, I don't think 6 saltines or "square crackers" will blow everything. Although this was my first flour and sugar is almost 14 days!

Quote of the Week

"If the problem is not hunger, the solution is not eating!" Unknown

Yes I am in the second full week of a new eating plan.

A little tired of salad.

But

Down 7.5 lbs.

Who's Tub Is It?

Does your tub look like this? We have two bathrooms in our apartment but only one tub. Love sharing my shower / tub with all kinds of action figures including Darth Vader! Thankfully, they are all here to keep us safe!

Let's Go! Bora Bora

I can have my bags packed in an hour ... just need the flights! It will take 24 hours to get there but, don't you think it would be worth it! This place is on my "Bucket List"! (hint, hint Mark)

Walking Pace

I realize that I have not been working full time outside the home for several years now but, I truly believed that I have a decent walking pace. And, I very well may. BUT, the walking pace in Washington DC / Metro stops is incredible. I see people every day passing me up in high heels, military boots, sneakers, flats, slip-on shoes, etc. I realized quickly that I am not going to attempt the walk from garage to metro, metro to the office and back in heels so I'm either in sneakers or in flats. And yet, I am still getting passed up! I've decided it must be my stride afterall, I do have short legs! So here's to picking up the pace and burning a few more calories!

We Are Off ...

Tomorrow Max & I are headed to Virginia to spend the next 12 days with Mark. This is sort of an unexpected trip so we are very excited. Mark has decided to extend his tour in Afghanistan for another 9 months. Because of the extension, Mark is required to complete another series of medical tests and doctor visits. So this trip will involve visiting several different doctors but, we are still happy for the visit. This extension will take us through mid-June of next year. We have many reasons for the extension but the biggest two are financial and no job state-side. We are still hopeful that a job will come to us and we continue to apply for jobs weekly for both Mark & I. In the meanwhile, we are grateful for the job Mark does have and will continue to pray for the employment blessing here in the states and for Mark's safety. We are also hoping to see Justin while we are in Virginia. He should be returning from Canada this week so hopefully we can visit with him later this week. Until we get back on the 27th ... enjoy your weeks!

Oh sooo Good ....

Our second picking from the raspberry bushes this week. Oh how they tasted SO good on ice cream tonight. Wish you were to have some with us!

ATV Riding - Greys River, Wyoming

Yesterday, Dad treated me to an ATV ride up the Greys River Canyon. We went with 6 others and met up with 3 other couples along the way. This was my first time driving an ATV and we were out for 6 hours! Today .... I had some sore muscles! Mostly in my back and arms - I would imagine from holding on! I got my machine up to 36 mph and that was plenty fast for me! We got rained on for about 20 minutes or so but, for the most part we had a beautiful day. I was surprised how "exposed" I felt ... meaning no seat belt, windshield, and how cold it was! Thankfully I had on four layers ... as you can see below I was a little bundled up! The ride was beautiful and a lot of fun! I'll definitely have to add this to a must-do with Mark. Here are some of the pictures I took along the ride.

Oh so long ....

It has definitely been a while since I have posted. Feeling guilty ... but have been terribly busy as well. To recap and I'll get pictures posted soon:

Mark arrived home on R&R ... almost two days late this time.

R&R ALWAYS goes to fast ... but none-the-less we had a GREAT time!

Max and I packed up everything AGAIN and moved back to Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming with mom & dad Tippets.

Max completed his first year of pre-school.

I sold ALL of my plate inventory to a woman who decided to go in to business for herself selling decoupage plates .... this would be the second person I introduced the plates too.

Max had multiple trips to the ER this past month ... flu, double ear infections, possible broken jaw .... which happy to report was not broken.

Max and I traveled to Pocatello, ID to visit old friends from Virginia ... Curtis & Heather Sandy and had a great little getaway!

So, I am sure there are a few other things that I am forgetting ... but I will post pictures soon.

Traveling Home ... R&R Time!

Today is Thursday May 13, 2010. This morning at 6:40 am Mark landed back in the United States at Dulles Airport having traveled for days from his base to Kandahar, to Dubai and then on to the States. My heart is so happy that he was able to all of this once again safely and without any travel problems with the airlines. He will spend the next few days in Virginia visiting Justin and friends then he will travel here on Sunday morning. Max and I have been counting down the days on our calendar until it is time to pick him up! We are so excited to have the next two weeks with him. Happy day for all of us! We love when daddy comes home!

Mothers Day at Montessori Preschool

Today mom's were invited to come to school with the kids to see them work and to celebrate Mothers Day. Max and I were both excited to be together in his school. The preschool area is designed with four different rooms were there is various "work stations" set up for the children. The children are free to roam about each room and work independently as much as possible. Max is given a lesson each day with one teacher one-on-one and it will pertain to math or letter instruction with sounds, drawing out the letters, reviewing pictures, saying various words, etc. I can see so much progress with Max and his social skills. Counting, learning to wait his turn or raise his hand, being able to pour juice, water, etc. picking up various thinking strategies, etc. I can no wait for Mark to be able to go school with him when he gets home. I think Max is going to have a ball introducing his dad to his friends! Here are some photo's of today's visit:

Working on threading beads on to a string

The children sang a mothers day song & five little ducks went out to play .... video to come


Max had to take my picture too ...

Max & Logan working on colors (Logan also knows the colors in Spanish)

Max is using tongs to pick up very small fuzzy balls.

Max is working on rebuilding the house.

Play time ... which includes a huge sand box ...

we get at least a cup of sand in the car every day!

My New Life

My New Life

So I can not seem to figure out how to completely download this video, but if you take 10 minutes to click on the link above entitled, "My New Life" you will hear a short video on a woman named Stephanie who has a whole new perspective on life and motherhood. It will completely give you a new perspective on your life and the blessings that you have.

I hope you will take the time to view. Let me know what you think.

Michael Bolton Concert!

One of the perks of working at the Gift Gallery at Tuacahn is that I can get free tickets to the concerts. This afternoon, I got the call that I could pick up 10 tickets (if I wanted them) for tonights performance. Everyone I contacted was not able to go on such short notice but, mom went up with me and we had a great time! I love his music especially the big band music. His saxophone player was amazing. While we were waiting for Michael to come on stage, I called Mark and told him where I was. Next time we'll have to go together to this! Enjoyed every minute of it!

Saturday Market - Tuacahn

This past Saturday a shared a booth space at the Saturday Market at Tuacahn. The hours were from 9 am to 1 pm and we had about 30 different vendors come out to sell everything from home-made breads, jams, salsas, cowboy hats, knives, jewelry, pens, bbq sandwiches, hand weaving, purses, etc. I had a great day and plan to have my own booth this coming Saturday where I can spread out all the plates I have along with a cross stitch that my mom did "Return with Honor" and display all of my dad's current weavings. Dad was one of the featured artists showing how he makes his beautiful blankets or as he likes to call them his lap robes! Take a look at the BYU & University of Utah blankets below ... they are all for sale ... and he is currently working on a Wyoming Cowboy blanket! All of his patterns he designs himself, the material is acrylic, machine washable, and he does all the work by himself on sticks! He is amazing! Mom can cross stitch like no one else I know and all of our homes have her beautiful work in them as well. It was a long busy weekend but, profitable and fun! Check out Tuacahn!

I sold plates, vases, and granite coasters.

I took orders that I am fulfilling this week and sending them off to Minnesota!

I also sold Rosemary Peasant Bread and "You Won't Regret Them" Brownies ... YUM!

Here is my dad with some of his weavings!

Check out BYU & Uof U blankets!

I started working part-time at Tuacahn this past week. I work in their gift gallery during concerts and performances .... the pay is practically nothing but, I get free tickets to the shows and I get to see and hear some fun performances. This past week I worked during a Kellie Pickler concert and the BYU Folk Dancers performances. Tuacahn is a beautiful outdoor theater that is located up a canyon in Ivins, Utah about 6 miles from our home! This summer they have Tarzan, Crazy For You and Cats as their main attractions. If you are in the area, I strongly suggest getting tickets!

Tanning Woes ...

Did you know ... that in the last 15 years or so, tanning beds have been upgraded and become 150 times more powerful? Did you know that tanning for 8 minutes on your first exposure in say 15 years (give or take) in a stand-up bed can cause you IMMENSE PAIN for at least 5 days? Did you know that in a stand-up bed the maximum amount of time that the bed will cook you for is 9 minutes? Do you know all the places that your body can potentially have a blister from exposure to a tanning bed? Did you know that your body can potentially have an allergic reaction to your skin drying out and peeling for 3 days? Did you know that I was dumb enough to think, "why don't I try tanning down at the gym, perhaps if I was not so ghostly white I would consider a swim suit this summer or even shorts"?

So many things I didn't know ... and guess what? I know them now!!! Ughhh

Love This Kid!

Love this little boy even with the bruised lip (a minor crash at McDonalds playland yesterday). He makes me smile every single day without fail. He is so stinkin' smart and when he tells me out of the blue that he loves me ... well my heart melts and I fall in love with him again and again ... even when I am threatening time-out! Max - I must tell you that I am eternally grateful that you joined our family! We love you so much! Mom & Dad

A Deal with a Memory

The deal of the day .... today I was over at one of our local thrift stores and came upon a box of granite sample squares. I was looking at them and noticed that each of them had a felt back to them and they were all approximately the same size. My first thought was that these would make great coasters! Another lady came by and told me they would make a great top to a table, etc. although it would be a VERY heavy table. Anyway, I was searching for a price on these and found a price tag of $15 for the box. I ended up paying .25 cents a piece for these little gems. I got them home cleaned them up and they are ready to sell! I'm going to sell these at an outdoor festival that I am doing in a couple of weeks along with my plates, vases and dad's weavings. Hmmm ... then I started thinking about my lesson for this coming Sunday with my (10) ten year-olds at church. Our lesson includes temple marriage and I thought perhaps I would use these pieces of granite to compare the strength and beauty of the temple. Then I remembered the story of when I was a young girl, we traveled down to Washington DC and we stopped by the temple while it was under construction. I was about 5 years old and we were having a picnic lunch up near the temple. One of the construction workers came over to me with two pieces of the marble that they were using on the temple and handed them to me. One of the pieces burned in the 2000 fire and the other is pictured next to the black piece of granite. I plan to show the kids this on Sunday but, the symbolism that this piece has for me is significant. The temples of course are built with some of the finest materials in the world. Marble, granite and other materials are found on and in our beautiful temples that remain the House of the Lord here on earth. How grateful I am to be living so close to many of these beautiful temples. To learn more about the temples visit LDS Temples.