Blanding: Basecamp to Adventure

We spent the past week in Blanding, UT, where my dad grew up. He and mom live there each summer and we love to visit. Dad grows an awesome garden . . .

We rented ATVs and drove up to Mom and Dad's 40 acres on the mesa north of town.

A few of the brave, hardworking ones spent an afternoon picking four bushels of free peaches from an orchard Dad heard about in Colorado. The rest went home and played card games. Slackers!

One the way home from picking peaches we saw five beautiful bucks, like this one.

Grayson's sharp eyes saw this horned toad while we were out hiking.

Tired boys at the hotel on the way home. Notice the pillows between them to ensure each stayed on their own side.

We made so many memories this summer. Still, we're glad to be home . . . our own "basecamp to adventure!"

Encapsulation

We were lucky to get Curt and Carly in Texas for a few days in July. Of course, we had to take advantage and get a family picture.

You'd never know this was taken on a sweltering July morning, that Elijah screamed the first time we tried (this is day 2), or that we're standing at the vacant lot across the street from our house.

Family pictures catch those rare moments when you're smiling together and everyone's eyes are opened. What we should do is have the video camera running to show the mayhem which proceeds the picture. The true essence of a family at its best and its craziest lies in those moments getting ready for the camera.

Yet, the moment is captured and now all I can see is Grayson's exhuberant smile, Elijah's hand on Bryce, Carly and Curt looking like their own family, and Tom, as always, by my side.

True Grit

This is my younger brother, Greg. He has cerebal palsy, and the past few years his balance has been growing more unsteady. He's had quite a few falls and now often freezes up in fear when he walks. It's hard to see this progression, because he's very social and has always enjoyed getting out and going places. We were at the park last week and as I pushed Grayson and Elijah on the swing I offered to push him as well, but he was very nervous. He actually sat down and tried, but couldn't do it. I then witnessed a moment of true grit--he clenched his teeth and made himself sit down again and he was able to enjoy freely gliding through the air. Greg's example makes me want to try when I tell myself I can't, try again when I've already given up, and keep trying no matter how old I am.

We Take You To This Important News Update

All right, it's not really important, but here are the latest happenings in our lives.

Tom and I enjoyed our three days at Mt. Nebo State Park in Arkansas. We were there for some great Fall folliage and loved the time spent hiking, watching movies (five), mountain biking (two hours through gorgeous country but I wasn't sure I was going to make it near the end), and sleeping in (my latest time was 7:40 a.m.). Thanks to Julie and Grandma and Grandpa for watching the boys for us.

I really liked our Thanksgiving this year. I love my husband's family--they are a fun bunch. Everyone pitches in cooking, cleaning and watching kids and we somehow get in some good visits and games too. I tried Giada De Laurentiis' Citrus Herb Turkey recipe and had a food thermometer in the breast to give me a good indication of when the meat was cooked. I took it out and the breast was perfect, but had to put the rest back in. It eventually cooked. The next day I made Tom's family's traditional Turkey Noodle Soup. Yum!

As for Christmas, the kids and I decorated one tree and another is up and lit. I told Tom I'd stay up late tonight to finish . . . I enjoy when the kids wake up and are surprised. Grayson has a construction paper link advent calendar, and boy does he bound out of bed in the morning to remove the next link. We are also the proud owners of the very kitsch outdoor Santa and the Reindeer Teeter Totter, to go with our Stepping Up the Ladder Santa in front of the fireplace. Tom has been very persuasive in his argument that for us, Christmas decorating is more for the kids than an artistic expression. We're having fun giving the little boys a sense of wonder and excitement.

Last FHE we had a beautiful few moments. We lit candles around the fireplace and turned out all the lights. We brought out the children's nativity and talked about Mary and Joseph and their trip to Bethlehem and then sang "Away in a Manger." We added the shepherds and angel and sheep and wise men and sang "Stars Were Gleaming." I loved beginning our Christmas season that way. It's surprising how some of the simplest moments can also be the most spiritual.

And that's our news update.

Sweater and Sock Weather

I know Fall is truly here because it's finally cool enough to warrant wearing a sweater and socks in my home. I like to put off turning on the furnace as long as possible! We also had potato soup and homemade rolls yesterday for dinner (along with cake and ice cream), another indicator. My dad grew the potatoes in his summer garden and my sister makes the best homemade rolls ever. Mom still makes her own frosting (not from a can) and almost always adds peanut butter, her secret ingredient.

One of my best qualities, I feel, is that I always look forward to and enjoy the upcoming season. I love how nature moves us along and tells us when to get energized or when to slow down and enjoy simple things; when to be outward or when it's time to bring it inside. I'm ready for FHE by firelight, playing "Go Fish" in our jammies and having (almost) everyone I love at my home to carve the turkey and pronounce our annual "I'm grateful for . . . " sparkling cider toasts. I can smell the pie already.

Our Fall Getaway

I just reserved a "rustic cabin" for two in November at Mt. Nebo State Park in Arkansas. The cabins were built by the CCC in the 1930s and are made from logs and stone and have gorgeous views from the top of Mt. Nebo. Tom and I are looking forward to Fall leaves, a crackling fireplace, hiking, long naps, reading and playing Boggle. Heaven! Thanks to mom and dad for making it possible by watching our kids.

Garage Sale Christmas

The annual Bridlewood Garage Sale happened yesterday and I was one happy buyer. I've decided to make it a garage sale Christmas and have gotten off to a good start. Things I noticed this year: tons of CDs for sale thanks to MP3 players; cars and motocycles are now common garage sale items; the "never hurts to ask if they have any" philosphy yielded a bonanza but I still had to talk them down in price; and no one had any vintage jewelry. Word has gotten out!

My rules for a neighborhood sale:

1) Start early (buy when they're setting things out)

2) Begin in the rear of the neighborhood and move forward

3) Don't ask what they want for an un-tagged item--make them an offer!

4) Don't be afraid to ask for less than the tagged price: "would you take ___ for this?" and negotiate from there.

Remember, you're doing them a service! If they want a better deal they'll have to ebay it or consign it. They just want to get rid of it.