it's elementary

Gotta tell ya- really looking forward to this movie!!

ambush

I thought it would be fun to take my friend Lisa and her husband Tyler to Afternoon Tea at the Grand America, on Saturday. What a cheerful and charming time we had. I have been before, but I think it was a bit magical with the lights and the snow coming down outside. (you can watch the snow from the huge window just behind the piano and harp players.)

We ordered hot white chocolate and lovely little finger sandwiches.

And then Santa came. Oh yes! In all his red glory with his lovely wife, Mrs. Claus beside him. Jingling his belt and "ho, ho, ho"-ing all through the tea room and lobby of this beautiful hotel.

This is when I noticed all the children sitting at the other tables! Yes, this was the Saturday that they had their "Christmas Tea" and Santa came to visit. I thought it was absolutely lovely. Until my friends and I were ambushed by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. As you can tell by our faces, we didn't ask nor were we aware that every table go a picture with the Claus'. They wiggled their way right onto our couch and tea table just in time for the photographer to say, "1, 2, 3...." SNAP. Our complete surprise is now forever documented in this lovely keepsake picture that you receive at the end of "Christmas Tea".

to cut? Or not to cut....

Okay folks! This is where my blog becomes "interactive"! Yay... Do I cut my hair like in the blue shirt? Or should I just hang on a few more months and have the long hair?

crazy souvenirs

I had a hard week. Heck I have had a hard 6 years! So I got a tattoo. Yup! (sorry Aunt Lu! I know you are reading this....)

My friends and I went down to Las Vegas for some R & R ... and I came back with a tattoo. I have been thinking about it for a few years... I have wanted one for about that long. So I thought - this is my time....

It was painful, and I'll never do it again.. but I love love love the one I have. Here are some photos to document my torture and then the end result!

rescue

This past Sunday, I taught Sunday School. It isn't usually my week to teach, but I am going on a road trip this coming weekend and needed to switch with someone. I think that was divine intervention.

I taught on the rescue mission of the Willie and Martin handcart companies. I know the stories of those destitute pioneers fairly well. But to actually teach the stories turned out to be quite an emotional experience. Those poor saints!

Which brings me to the story of "my rescue".

Eight years ago my mother's doctors told us that there was nothing else that they could do and that it was "a matter of weeks". I think the number thrown out was 3-8 weeks. Not a lot.

I was in Utah at the time living with a couple of girls and going to school. I was poor, as most college students are and didn't have the means to make the trip to Chicago. I was beside myself and didn't know what I was going to do.

That is when I got a call from a friend from High School. Stewart Barney. He called to tell me he was on his way out the next day with his pick up truck to come and get me and my belongings so that I could move home and be with my family. He made the 20+ hour drive to Utah. While he was here for the 4 short hours that we went down to Salt Lake to see Temple Square, my mother passed away. Stu was here for 5 hours total. I had enough time to pack up my things and pack them in his truck and we made the trip back to Chicago- another 20+ hours.

I am still moved by this act of kindness. We were 22 years old, and he was so amazingly kind to do that for a friend. It is truly amazing.

So when I think of those saints that made the trip back-the 400 miles- and I think of how selfless those men were, I think of my own selfless friend.

Where you lead, I will follow

Anyone that knows me knows that there are 2 things that I really, really, really love.


1. Rascal Flatts


2. Gilmore Girls





Now I need to give the credit where it is due. I have a friend that I met back in Connecticut that introduced this show to me. (thanks Allie!) And I watched the very last season with her religiously every Tuesday night. It was great fun. We even had a "last episode" party. I think we may have even worn plaid in honor of Luke. (NOT CHRISTOPHER!!) And thank goodness she had the rest of the seasons on DVD for me to know where all of the characters came from and how they developed. I remember many random phone calls and conversations in hallways about Lorelai and Luke. And how I would be just completely depressed if Lorelai chose Christopher instead of Luke. (sigh) I still get a little anxiety as I am thinking about it!
And a huge perk from the show: it takes place in my beloved Connecticut. Stars Hollow to be exact. And really, I would take up drinking coffee if that meant I could spend some time at Luke's diner.
I was sick last week and popped these DVD's in to just chill and watch something. And once again, was hooked! I had to watch every last episode, even though I knew how it ended and who ended up with who and where Rory go a job. I just love this show! If you have not watched them, go out and do yourself a favor... watch them.

Take a Hike

Hiking is hard. I have known this for a while. I tried it once when I was in college and remember thinking all the way up the mountain, "who the hell talked me into this!?"

But I found myself doing it again last Saturday. I was just as hard as I remembered. But at least it was with good company! (last time I hiked to impress a boy-so glad I am past that now!) My family and I (brothers, sister-in-law and 2 cousins) hiked Brighton. Phew! We had no idea how much snow was going to be up there, and as you can see, we were not really dressed for how cold it was going to be. But the landscape was so beautiful, that it almost made you forget how freaking cold you were!

It was really a lovely hike, and I might even try it again..... WHEN IT IS WARMER!

the talk

Over the weekend, I got... "the talk". I have discovered- after "pseudo" raising 7 kids- that between the ages of 6 & 7, they discover what "getting married" means. The whole girl and boy thing.. and that you fall in love, etc.

This is how the conversation went:

Alexandre- Tara, do you have a husband?

Me- I don't. Don't you think you would have met him by now if I did? I have been with your family a long time now.

Alexandre- Well, I just thought you got tired of him and then just lost him.

(this is when I tried not to laugh out loud, but then took a mental note of how easy it could be!)

Sophia- She isn't old enough to get married!

Me- How old am I?

Sophia- Like, 17....??

Me- Nope! I am 32.

Sophia- Oh, so you are waiting until later...??

(trying not to laugh)

Me- You need to fall in love to get married, guys.

Sophia- I am already in love. With Parker.

Me- What happened to Zeke from your Kindergarten class?

Sophia- He moved and I don't know where he is. That's a big problem.

Me- You're right. If you don't know where your boyfriend is, that could be a problem.

Sophia- Oh, Zeke isn't my boyfriend, I am just in love with him.

Oh, boy.

Eve, we need to chat girl!

Okay, I know the story of Adam and Eve. I know that they had to do what they did so that we can do what we need to do. (makes TOTAL sense...??) But there are days that I get frustrated with the whole "from this day forward you shall eat by the sweat of thy brow for all the days of thy life"
I mean, I shouldn't complain too loudly. I live in a modern age where I don't have to toil the land for my food. I can hop in a car and go to a store for anything that my heart (or body!) desires. I don't have to sew my own clothes or wash anything by a river with lye and a rock.
But this whole "keeping the body physically healthy" is going to kill me!
Running= yuck!
lunges= blah
free weights=ugh
plank=augh!

Truly, Eve... couldn't you just igore Lucifer!? Couldn't you have just gone on and picked some wild flowers that day?

family

I have a very good looking family.

man in the mirror

Return Policy

When I was in college, I worked at a store in the mall. We sold hair product and flat irons. Hairbrushes, etc. Like a Trade Secret, but a local Utah company. One morning I had a lady come in and buy a flat iron. And then come back in 10 minutes later to return it. Sadly, we had a strict policy on "NO RETURNS". No if's, and's or but's. None. We did not return any items. (we had the policy printed on the back of the receipts and all over the store). Needless to say this woman was not happy about the new information. She was pretty livid actually. I kindly explained that we cannot return items for FDA purposes... blah blah blah. She then yelled at me, "I will never shop at this store again! I am telling all of my friends and family to do the same!"

She then stormed HALF way out of the store when a mole hair brush caught her eye. She picked it up and brought it to the register, "This will be the last time!"

I tell you this story because... this is how I feel about dating these days.

"I am never doing this again!" And as I go to the mall or church or just out with friends, I see someone new, and I think "Fine! Just one more time!" It is funny how life works like that.

S0, I still put myself out there, Just one more time.

palms and cards= a new path

Let me first start by saying, I don't believe in psychics. I think they are trixy and false.
Now having said that, I had my tarot cards read on Saturday night. I have never been to a psychic. And here is how my first experience went:
First I should let you know that it wasn't a "psychic" it was an Angel Reading. Which I have no idea what the difference is. But there is one, because I was corrected on more than one occasion. So I sit in front of this woman, (I use that term loosely, because I am not sure she was more than 17) And I watch her for a full 4 minutes just staring at the tablecloth. I was a little unnerved. Um, here is where I should mention that I try not to be judgemental of others (somewhere there is a wooden puppet who's nose just grew 4 inches on behalf of the lie I just told). So, this "angel reader" was, well, how should I put this? She had wispy blond hair with a big yellow flower in it. And for some reason she couldn't fit her tongue all the way in her mouth. That combined with the bright blue nail polish and the llama she had on her round table, I was a little "if-y" on the whole thing. She also muttered to someone I couldn't see, but she could. So, like I said, I waited for 4 minutes. Now I know that that sounds like a very short amount of time, but when you are waiting for someone to tell you what you are going to do next summer and who your husband is going to be.. it was an agonizingly long amount of time. She then looked at me, shook my hand and said "Sorry, I can't read you..."
What!? I waited in line for 30 minutes out side the door and then an extra 4 minutes at this table while you stared at the tablecloth and now I have a BROKEN psychic??
So I got another. Her name was Jade and she told me I would be married in 3 months, and that I do too much for other people.
My life has a new direction now, I am going to be lazy and start planning a wedding....

Psssst!

On friday, I turned 32. Wow... it is weird to think that I am in my 3o's. It is crazy. And every year on my birthday, I take a minute to think about what I expect out of the next year. This year, I am at a loss on expectations. And so I though alot about that. Why it is exactly that I don't expect anything out of this year. And then it came to me... At this point in my life, I have learned that what we "expect" usually isn't "what happens". We make these plans, the way we think that is the easiet way to get from point A to point B. And we truly forget to enjoy our journey on getting to the B.

So this year, I will not only enjoy my journey, but I will have faith in the journey of the next 365 days.

I had an affair.

No, you read that right. And I am slightly embarrassed to admit this to you all. But I did, indeed, have an affair. It is something I am proud of. Or something that I suggest to all my friends. But sometimes a girl's gotta do, what a girl's gotta do.

I had a shoe affair. I tossed my beloved Asics aside, and ran off with a pair of Saucony. I know what I blogged before. I swore my unwavering love to Asics. But after miles and miles of bliss, they gave out on me. And I have to admit, after only 8 months of running together, I am a little bitter at the length of that love relationship! I was talking "eternity" here!

So, I had to pick myself up, and find a new running mate. And I found that in Saucony. Judge me if you must... but I think I might have fallen in love again.

marathon quilting.... still in progress.

This is what 4 women can do in a span of 40 hours. It is a queen sized quilt. This is just the front and I dropped it off at the quilters this morning. I'll be picking it up on the 29th of September.

I am AMAZED at how much work this was. I think we spent the most time, trying to piece it all together to get colors not to touch on the blocks (as you can see in the photo, it didn't always end up that way!) It was great fun, and I appreciate the help from the lovely women that helped!

I'll post the finished product when I get it in about a month!

dating scheme

I was invited by my cousin to a BBQ on Friday. It was a "singles" gig. And I dragged my friend Lisa with me. We get there, and it is just a small little "get-together". No biggie. But there was a guy there, that was charming. I found myself intrigued with him. His name is Dave, and he last name will remain nameless to protect the guilty. (ah! you see where this post is going now, huh!?)

He was funny and could keep up with conversation. He wasn't bad looking and put his heart and soul into the serious game of Rock Band. So when my cousin said that Dave wanted my number, I got a little excited on the inside. "Of course give him my number!" I had visions of going to see the Pink Floyd light show and laughing and the absurdity of it.

So when I got the call from Dave, I answered with a smile. He was charming, and nice and lovely. And the conversation went like this

Dave: So, I really liked meeting you the other night. I had a good time chatting with you.

Me: Yeah, it isn't every day that someone can keep up with the junk I can throw at them. And you handled it like a champ!

*insert slightly cheeky comment here*

Dave: So I want to get to the point of me calling you

(this is where I thought he was going to ask me out... hahah... yeah.)

Dave: I am a part of a company called NuSkin. Have you heard of it?

...........................

chapter 15 in the dating book that I am currently writing. A pyramid scheme. Charming. I like those kind of dates.

I'd be California, if California was a girl.

We had a great vacation. It was a bit tough getting there! (being broken down in Death Valley was not a pleasant experience, or something I would say should be highlighted on the next California trip!) But I have to say that the beach was just lovely. There is something very soothing and relaxing to the soul about the ocean. (PS: to the stranger that stole my sunglasses, SHAME ON YOU!)

Six Flags was great fun. And a world class experience/lesson in swearing. I don't think you can actually go down one of those hills at that speed and NOT swear. If you can, I applaud you.

So now back to the grind stone, but what fun it was! Glad we did everything that we did... and we all came home with a tattoo. (love it!)

Change

Being an Army brat, I feel the need for change more often than the average person. I have found over the years, however, that changing my room around helps that "need". So, after 5 years of the same bedding.. I am going to change it. And with the help of some very key people, I am going to start a quilt and some pillow shams. Off to the fabric store I go....

I kinda want to do this...

a new mantra

It's not often I come across quotes that I believe in whole-heartedly. But this time I found one by a pig. And I think she is absolutely right:

"If it's expensive, it fits"
Words to live by. Thanks, Miss Piggy.

Inspiration

While looking for some sort of inspiration today, I ran across this video. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

friends

I love that after .... uh, too many years to count (about 13!) I can meet up with a dear friend, and it is as if not a day has gone by since we were 19. (we missed you Lisa!)

Mel and I knew each other as seniors in High School and lost contact after she got married and moved away. And thanks to the miracle of Facebook, I found her.... YAY! (and Lisa, too!)

We don't look a day older than the last time we saw each other ;) right!?

Sis, Boom, Bah!

I had a GREAT 4th of July. It was one of my favorites over the years. This year the 4th was on a Saturday, so I got Friday off. (which is a great perk!)

At the beginning of the week, I was told that I might have to work that weekend while employers had to go to Canada to tend to a sick father. So to say the least, I was disappointed. But it turned out that I didn't have to work. I was liberated just in time for Independence Day. ;)

Lisa and her family invited me to go to Stadium of Fire. Ah! So fun! I have not been for years, and since this was my first 4th back in Utah, might as well go all the way! And of course, the Jonas Brothers were playing! Being a nanny, I am very familiar with them. (and they aren't that bad!) I think I was the only adult there that knew all the lyrics and NOT have kids with me.

I hope you had a great 4th of July, and acknowledged the men and women that have given up their lives for the freedom that we now have.

Where is MY marriage???

I totally stole this from my friend Andrea's blog.. but I HAD to share it with you...

Favorite weekend in the Summer...

So this coming weekend is my favorite time of the summer. I think it stems from being a daughter of an Army officer. It is just when the whole country is very patriotic.. and you spend time with family. And of course BBQ's. Ah, those are my favorite.

I love the fireworks. I love going to them.. I am still mesmerized by them. They are amazing to me. I think, however, that they were better when I was little. But I still love them. Spreading out the blanket in a baseball field and watching with friends until the sun sets. These are the best times.

And playing in the sun. Soaking in the the sunshine while throwing a Frisbee. Or floating down the canyon with family. And getting out with cold watermelon waiting on the picnic table. Yes, this is going to be a great weekend. But, don't forget the sunscreen.

The Moonwalk and the Glove...

Micheal Jackson was my very first album. It was Thriller. I remember the song "Thriller" scaring me at first. But then it has been one of my favorite songs ever. I love "Rock with Me" and so many others. It seems that when you randomly here a MJ song, you think to your self, "OH yeah! I love this song...." and you turn up the volume.

When I was introduced to "Billie Jean", that was when I developed my adoration for his music. I wanted to post this version, so we can see:

1. The glove.

2. That indeed, yes, he was black once

3. His dancing.

I'll miss Michael. He was a force to be reckoned with.

And we will all miss the Moonwalk.

We have Hummingbirds!

We have humming birds. I have always been enthralled with them. Last summer we had only 2 or 3. This year, we have almost 12 at any given moment waiting in line for the feeder. It's crazy! Look how amazing they are. They make an amazing sound when they are flying. Wish you could hear them through pictures. Enjoy!

Brotherly Love

This is my brother Blake. He is very cute. He is also coming up for the weekend from Provo, to spend time with his older sister. I am excited. I am really glad to have him home, but we don't get to see each other too much. I am really thrilled to have him come up. I am sure that mayhem will ensue.

Please let someone above be laughing right now...

Have you ever just had one of those days that you just can't stand it any longer? I mean one of those days, that you just think, "Seriously, I'm not completely sure that I care what the kids are doing today." Welcome to Tara's today.

Seriously, I woke up this morning to the mom running down the stairs needing a ride to work. All 3 kids still asleep in their beds, and as I get the 2 year old up, he has well.... for lack of a better term, pooped his bed. Yay! So I get that clean up, and him cleaned up, just in time for the 4 year old to ask if he can have a peanut butter sandwich for breakfast. I say with a sweet smile on my face (fake of course) "Um, no. That is what we can have a lunch time, but it isn't a breakfast food." The mom looks at me and says, "No. He doesn't have that for lunch. That isn't healthy...."

I'm sorry, what!? Seriously? C'mon. You are the mom that gives them chocolate cake for breakfast! (as I am thinking this, she is slathering peanut butter on a piece of raisin toast for his breakfast) So this is what I say to her: "what is the difference of him having that for breakfast and giving him fruit and carrots with a PB&J? Because that is what I give him...." And then I go into the other room. Ugh.

And the day just digressed from there. Pray for me tomorrow. I might not make it through today!

Bliss out

Are you in need of a song to take a bubble bath to? This is the one. Ahhhhh... just pure bliss.

SYTYCD.

Okay, here is the thing. I kinda booted American Idol a few seasons ago. I just got tired of it. (Sorry!!) I didn't watch a single episode of it this season. I don't even know what this "Kris" guys sounds like. I am aware of "Mr Eyeliner" though. (sheesh! he wears more than I have EVER put on!)

I do however love LOVE, So You Think You Can Dance. So here is my new crush. Evan. Yeah, I'm taller than him... but look at him! I would totally put him in my back pocket!

The best "free" Thing ever given....

This was given to me by my friend Tyler Lewis. I think I might need a frame.

Here comes the sun, do do do do.... except, not really

3 kids out of school..... CHECK

Playhouse Disney only lasting until 9am...... CHECK

Sunshine out side and beautiful morning........ NOPE!!!!

Seriously, Mother Nature has a sick sense of humor.

Feeling silly and young

There is something to be said about the shoes we wear.
I have always been one to wear fun shoes. I like them in crazy colors, I like them with funny laces or with silly designs on them.
One day I thought that I would just be nuts enough to buy a pair of Chuck Taylors. And I have to tell you, when you put these shoes on, you all of the sudden have a new attitude. You walk with a bit of a pep in your step & you start chewing bubble gum.
I feel like I am in High School again! I love these things.

Potty Training is NOT for the faint of heart...

Truly, this is the hardest part of nannying for kids 3 and younger. POTTY TRAINING. Honestly, I don't know how my mom did it 4 times! Seriously.

If you have any tips, I would love to hear them!

Yes, I am still in love with a Vampire.

I am sorry folks, but it just came out, 30 minutes ago. It is now almost midnight, and I am posting it on my blog. Watch it. And enjoy that the filming doesn't have the blue cast to it. We should all send Chris thank you notes.

This is going to be a L O N G wait.

Okay, here are the details...

Okay, I have left all of my readers in suspense long enough. So here is the fun things that I did on my trip...

It was a great trip. I think I did all of my favorite things in Connecticut. I went to the Country Club and relaxed by the pool. I had Dorothy's cooking,

twice. I went into the city and bought killer sunglasses and a pashmina. I hung out with my 2 favorite kids. OH, and I kissed a random sailor/marine in Times Square. And of course, I spent quality time with great friends.

Then, cried big alligator tears when I landed in Utah. I miss it on the East Coast...

Um, Warewolf move over... we only love Vampires here.

I was going to try REALLY hard to NOT post something about New Moon, but I just couldn't do it after seeing this. Wow... this is going to be a good one.

Wow, I forgot about Fleet Week

There is a chance that I had a little bit of fun on my trip...

It's Elementary, really

I would be lying if I said this didn't look good. I love Robert... and I love Jude. So bring on Watson and Holmes!!

I'm Leaving....On a Jet Plane...

Oi!! I am so excited to go on my trip! 5 days of doing absolutely nothing. Just to relax. Eat my favorite foods, smell my favorite smells, and just enjoy my surroundings.

I am excited to see my some of my favorite people, friends that I have not seen in a really long time.

And I am in REAL need of some vacation time. Seeing that I have not had one since Christmas. It's May.. it's my turn.

The first of my Summer Nights!

This is what joy looks like. I LOVE summer nights. I took this photo tonight at 8pm with all my windows down because it was still 80 degrees outside.

Bon Jovi + windows down+ highway speed= an AWESOME summer night.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!

When did THIS happen!?

I don't know when this happened. I don't remember waking up and thinking how it changed. But I swear it did over night. How in the WORLD at the age of 31, do I need to use an eye cream!? This is what my mom used to use. This is what is in my aunts medicine cabinets (I can only assume of course!)

And I was just beside myself when I went to the Clinique counter and they rang up the small little bottle.

"$57.50."

WHAT!? Are you kidding me? And yet, I handed over my debit card,

B-E-C-A-U-S-E... I hate the crow's feet that are appearing at the side of my eyes. And the wrinkles under my eyes.

Ugh.. what's next? I know.... !! Botox....

Things I am counting down 10 days for...

I am SO excited to go back east. I will only be there for just a few days, but I am going to try and cram everything I can possibly fit into those days.
The first thing I want is a bagel from Stews. I cannot tell you how tasty these are. And when you move to a state that barely even knows what they are, well, then you miss them even more. (I have permission from my trainer!) I also want pizza from Stefano's in Wilton. Mmmmm! I want a cup of soup from Soup Alley. And a TBM sandwich from Cosi. I am not sure there is going to be enough meals to eat all at all of these places.
I am going to have to run for MILES to work all this off. But somehow, it is going to be worth it.

My happy place.

Sometimes around 10am (okay let's be honest, ALL the time at 10am) I hit a wall. I am tired. I am cranky and I need a nap. Usually it is worse depending on how far I ran the night before. This is my "pick me up" by choice. It has a little extra caffeine and green tea. I love it. It is also one of the best diet cola tastes out there. So the next time you find yourself needed some sort of zap, to wake you up. Give this a whirl.

I am going home.... for 5 days ;)

I am going "home" for 5 days in about 2 weeks. I cannot contain my excitement!! There are so many things that I want to do and see while I am there. I am excited to see friends that I have not seen in a while and to see the Pags. Squeeze my kids that I have not seen since September. And to have a slice of pizza from Sanfrontellos, and a bagel from Stews. Yes, life is going to be great. And to hop into the city and .... just feel complete. Can't wait!

Mother's Day

I have to say that I don't love Mother's Day. It isn't that I don't think the mother's need a day that they feel absolutely appreciated. It is because I am left feeling very empty on this day. It is kinda crazy. It has been 8 years since she passed away. And so, yes, that is tough. But it is the "Make sure you go home and call you Moms today!" Or "Thanks for coming into the bakery today, I gift wrapped your cupcakes for Mother's day. I am sure she will love them". And so I walk out of a bakery with a beautifully wrapped gift... for someone I can't give it to. It is just those little things that make this day a little more rough.

I love the talks given in church. The little primary songs. But here is when it is the worst. The "after" church. Where does every one go? Exactly where they should, of course. Either you go home to call your mom, or to her place for dinner. And this is when ... well.. I, nor my brothers, have somewhere to go. And that is tough. Sometimes I just wish there was a party or a dinner for the people that don't have a mom physically available. (that sounds silly, but I do wish for it!)

S0 my point for this post is, when you are in Hallmark this year, getting a card-- Or at the florist ordering flowers-- Take a minute and be really thankful that you have someone to celebrate this day with. Hug your Mom. Sit by her at dinner. And remember this day, and this year's Mother's Day. Truly enjoy your Mom.

Some thinking from on high...

I have often wondered as I drive down "my mountain" what the pioneers saw as they came through the canyon and saw the valley for the first time. I try imagine it with out the buildings and streets.

How their hearts must have almost jumped out of their chests as they heard Brother Brigham say, "This is the right place". It is truly a beautiful valley. And in spring, it is even more beautiful. I can see the beauty of it with the trees and flowering bushes.

So for now, this is MY right place...

A few pictures from Clayton and Anna's wedding.

Very cute! I love the shoes

So cool! Check out the back ground!

the classic wedding photo.

This is Classic Savage kids

No idea why I am doing this...

I love this one.