Forever In Blue Jeans

2012

2012-01-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

2012

is going to be a great year!

13 weeks and counting...!

All I Want For Christmas

2012-01-16T10:38:00.000-08:00

All I wanted for Christmas was to get to Arizona so we could spend the holiday with family.

I was going to go into this long explanation of how some people in this world are lucky while others of us are not, but just review last years roadtrip {here} and now listen to this years roadtrip and you can see for yourselves that I am not a very luck-filled person.

Well, first thing is first...I finally got a new car! Hooray for freedom!

Thus making our roadtrip more comfortable and enjoyable.

Also meaning Cadbury, who finally got to go to Arizona , could have the whole backseat to himself. {Of course, he still would have rathered he sit on my lap the whole time, silly dog.}

Okay, now onto the story...we left Tulsa on the 22nd after Jordan got off work. We drove 6 hours until we got to Amarillo, Texas, where we stayed the night. We knew we were driving into a storm in New Mexico, but we had encountered that last year and although it took more time, we did get through the storm in one piece. We just needed to be patient. Ha! {Patience...I will learn me some patience by the end of the day...or will I?}

I wanted to get on the road as quickly as possible, so we woke up, got things ready and took off for Mesa, Arizona. About 2 hours after leaving Amarillo we came to a full STOP on the Interstate. Full and complete STOP. We were not alone. There were among us many families traveling for the holidays, along with many semi-trucks making their usual deliveries. All of us, just stopped, on an INTERSTATE. Did you know they closed entire stretches of interstate down? I didn't. All of New Mexicowas closed. We were of course right near the town of Tucumcari, New Mexico where we could have found lodging. However, you probably couldn't pay me a thousand bucks to stay in that forsaken land. So what option did we have, but to wait until they could clear the snow from the roads. We sat in the car, mostly with the power turned off to save gas, for 5 1/2 HOURS!!! Keep in mind, we still had an 8 hour drive {without winter road conditions} ahead of us. They finally did clear the roads and 17 hours after we left Amarillo, we pulled into my parents driveway. I would love to tell you I kept my cool throughout this journey, but I did not. At the 13th hour, realizing I still had many ahead of me, I lost it. LOST it. Anyway, let us put the whole experience behind us and get on to Christmas!

We had the annual Shill Family Christmas Eve Mexican Feast!

It was beautiful weather {minus a light sprinkling of rain that lasted all of 30 seconds}.

I got to open my birthday presents, {birthday was on the 19th} which was a fabulous pair of shoes and a handmade stitchery by my mother {I have coveted hers for years, so she made me one!}. Thank you Mommy!

After dinner, we enjoyed the Nativity Story, acted out by all the littles.

Even Cadbury got to join in on the fun!

Lucy and Cadbury were best buds. Lucy came over every day to play with her four-legged friend and Cadbury loved all the attention from the kids.

It was fun sharing Christmas morning with Tim and Holly's bunch {we all stayed at Mom & Dad's}.

The little boogers did get us all up at 6:15, but it was fun to see how excited they were to see what Santa brought them. After church, the rest of the crazies came over and we all enjoyed opening presents

and being together!

Ben, in particular, got some pretty sweet gifts this year.

*From Jordan, the awesome shirt (the slippers were another gift from a previous year).

*From Mom & Dad, a NEW CAR (well, Ben's kind of car).

*From Lucy, a One-of-a-Kind 'Beninem M&M's' handmade hat (Lucy's idea completely).

Jordan and I spent the rest of the afternoon at the Rogers. We got to see everybody and have a yummy dinner with Sharon's homemade rolls, which are amazing!

The rest of our time in Arizona was spent relaxing and visiting {2 of my most favorite hobbies}!

On the 29th, Jordan and I celebrated our Fifth Wedding Anniversary! Holy cow!

We had a very romantic lunch at Native New Yorker {Don't judge! When you move away and you can't have the best wings you've ever tasted, that is all your ♥ desires!} and polished that off with Gelato - which also can't be found in Tulsa.

After a few extended days in Mesa (delaying the inevitable), I finally was resigned to the fact that I had to get back in the car again.

We drove a mere 13 hours to Denver and spent New Year's with our family that resides there.

Again, more relaxing, eating, visiting, and game playing.

Finally, it was time to come back home and that was only 10 1/2 hours. Yay for us!

Adventures with Elyce

2012-01-15T10:38:00.000-08:00

Three short days after getting back from our Christmas adventures, Elyce flew into Tulsa!

That next morning, I reluctantly got BACK into the car for the 4 hour drive down to Dallas.

We then spent some time with the Shillibeans!

It was fun to visit some more with these guys. Elyce had not seen them since before they moved to Dallas. We ate like kings at our usual Texas places: Chuy's Tex-Mex, Rudy's BBQ &Taco Diner. We even made a bit of a dent at Sprinkle's cupcakes.

Our last night there, we spent our time in a little friendly competition with our family in Arizona.

It all started with this photo.

You see, the cute little gal on the right is Kendria, Bethany's best friend growing up and she has become a family friend so Tim and Holly invited her cute family to dinner. We sent this picture to Bethany, maybe a little bit saying 'You should have come!'

We got this picture from her saying "Good Times!"

So then we thought we should let her know, we are definitely having a better time than them and that is how the following came to be.

Looks to me like we are all having a good time...also, we are all crazy.

Elyce & I took the route home through Oklahoma City so we could go to the OKC Memorial.

It was very well done and neat to hear all the stories and learn more about it.

The Survivor Tree

{You can see the way it leans is away from the blast, the building was directly to the right of the tree.}

Where all the bronze chairs are located is where the building once stood. Each chair represents a person who died in the bombing and they are arranged according to what floor of the building they were on at the time of the blast.

To the right of the field of chairs is a wall with the time 9:01 in large letters.

To the left of the field is an identical wall with the time 9:03 on it.

The space between {the field of chairs} represents 9:02 a.m. when the bomb went off.

It was neat to finally get to see the memorial, thanks sister.

A couple days spent in Tulsa included pedicures!

Thanks for visiting me and spoiling me rotten while you were here!

I am very glad you came. Please come again!

Thanksgiving Happenings

2011-12-09T14:08:00.000-08:00

After another 6 a.m. flight to Phoenix, I got to see the Breaking Dawn premiere with my favorite gals.

Consensus was 50:50. Those two on the left - expected nothing & so they were entertained. Those two on the right - what did you expect!?! Hadn't you two read the book and knew it was gonna be crazy sauce & biscuits?!? Speaking of crazy...

it was a WILD night to say the least.

The next day we went to the Train Park in Scottsdale.

We rode the train, of course.

Some of us rode the carousel.

And some of us relaxed

while the four year olds and three year old got rid of some energy.

Later that night we had an adult-only night and we all went to Nello's Pizza. It was really fun and so scrumdiddlyumptious!

The day after that we loaded up our cars and drove through Prescott, where we stopped to eat a chaotic lunch at In-N-Out, {seating for 17 people please!} and on to Groomcreek!

Groomcreek is where the family {passed through three generations} cabin is located. Since my Grandma passed away, my Aunt Diane, Mom, and Dad have been busily fixing it up so it can be used by generations to come.

The last time we were all there was at least, AT LEAST 15 years ago.

By far, the very best thing about the cabin is The Swing. Not the swing, The Swing.

Why The Swing you say??? You can do things on it, that will make you soil yourself.

Did you check out that height???

There were no witnesses when I had my turn on The Swing. Just my brother Chris, who pushed me to record soaring heights by using his l o n g ape-like arms and literally jumping to reach me and the swing and push me higher. I think my mother would have soiled herself if she saw her baby reaching heights that no other man {or woman} has reached.

They did hear my screams...there is a lot more fear when you are 25 years old.

Anyway, there were those that couldn't handle The Swing. Like Josephine, {really Joey, but I have always called him Josephine} in orange went on your plain ol' run-of-the-mill swing set across the street.

Drakey, of course, just hung out with Mom & Dad.

We also played a little tether ball,

went on a short hike,

hung out together,

dressed up like Lamar {my Grandpa} by wearing Grandpa's hat and jacket, which are still at Groomcreek, and sticking out his belly,

and eventually we all froze our butts off. Which for me, meant the fun that was had, was over.

Before Jordan was able to join me, I asked my dad one day if we could go out to the desert and look at his grandpa's lime kilns. Basically, out near Usery Park, out in the middle of the desert, is where my Great-Grandpa used to spend his days. He would gather limestone, load it into his wagon, & Bertha and Dudley {his mules} would haul it to the kiln so it could bake for hours and hours until it was lime dust {used to help make concrete, among other things, I am sure}.

It was a beautiful day

and a nice little walk to find the kiln.

On the front of the kiln, my Great Grandpa carved the names of his mules and you can still see them.

Jordan was finally able to join me in Arizona a few days before Thanksgiving. We had a good time hanging out with family and I enjoyed making pies again this year with my Mom.

On Thanksgiving Day we had quite the feast with my side of the fam.

Everything was sooo good & I wish I could re-live that meal over & over {definitely more than just once a year}!!

We had one small disturbance in our day.

****The following picture is NOT for the faint at heart.

If you get queasy, just scroll on through & go along your day without barfing!****

At least we learned to trim our toenails more frequently.

Inside story: The kids all gathered around Jordan to get a peek at this monstrosity and while Joey {3 years of age} stood there at eye level, he suddenly sneezed...all over Uncle Jordan's foot! Jordan was NOT happy about it.

While we were in Arizona our dear Cadbury was lovingly watched by the Shillibeans.

Thank you, Tim & Holly for taking such good care of the little rascal! You guys are the BEST!

We were happy to re-unite with him and get home after another fabulous trip.

Death of the Honda

2011-12-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

I have been avoiding posting about this particular subject until all was final & 'at peace' - so to speak.

About a month and a half ago I was driving home from a mutual activity and a 'gentleman' {Ha! He was anything, BUT a gentleman} turned left in front of me. I had a brand new 12 year old Beehive with me. As the smoke from the airbags settled and we both established we were okay, we exited my poor, mangled Honda.

My first thought was to make sure the 'gentleman' was okay. His first concern was to call me every curse word his brilliant vocabulary could summon while pacing in circles around my car. THEN he proceeded to check on his 3 year old from the backseat of his car...no comment. Anyway, two REAL gentlemen came running over (they were eating dinner across the street and saw the accident and heard what was happening) & rescued me from the 'Word Vomiting Parent of the Year.'

Everyone was okay, and thankfully there were zero injuries.

That following morning I contacted his insurance and gave my statement.

& waited...

{I spent a total of 4 weeks confined to my home. No car. Just me and Cadbury. Things got rough.}

He ignored his insurances phone calls for 3 weeks.

He did finally give his statement.

{Which at this point was pretty much irrelevant since I had a witness on my side to discount his lies.}

So I thought the drama was over, but I then waited 1 more week while the insurance counseled with their lawyers on whether or not 'Parent of the Year' should be covered by insurance since he fraudulently bought insurance under his brothers name.

Finally, the day before I flew back to Mesa for Thanksgiving, I heard these blessed words, "We have decided we are going to deal with him separately, but we know it is not your fault that any of this has come about so we are going to move forward and cover you."

Hallelujah!

Honda was totaled and a check will be gracing my mailbox any day now.

There were many, many things to be grateful for the night of the accident & since:

• No injuries. I was never even a smidgen bit sore. Nothing. Zip. Nada!

• I did not freak out. I had my wits about me. I was not alone at the moment of impact. I know I had a co-pilot.

• As I already mentioned the 2 witnesses/angels that stayed with me until Jordan got there. They spoke words of comfort and direction. {& kept jerk face away from me! :) }

• I got a phone call from Natalie, the First Counselor in the Young Women Presidency, saying she was dropping other girls off home after the activity, and saw the flashing lights of police cars, ambulance, and firetruck from a distance and she knew I was involved. She was able to come pick up the Beehive and take her home so Jordan could stay with me while the police did their work. By the way, Natalie visit teaches the Beehives mom (who is not active in the church) and had not up until that point been able to get past the doorstep on her visits. She was able to come in and chat with her that night.

• My husband was a champ and after working all day would come pick me up, get me out of the house, and run all my errands with me that I couldn't get done without a car during the day.

• When I hit the other car, I knocked off its rear tire. I firmly believe he was ranting and raving and pacing in circles because he knew with the tire being knocked off he could not run from the accident...which I believe he would have done if he was able.

I will miss the Honda. It was in our family for 15 years. We may not have always gotten along, but I do know it was way better than having a car payment!

Evening In Excellence

2011-11-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

I serve as the Young Women's Second Counselor. Last night we had our Evening In Excellence. It has been a very busy past three weeks in preparation. I made the invitations...

the name cards...

and the programs.

I was also in charge of dessert. These tasty edibles turned out so cute.

White Chocolate {Colored} Dipped Oreos

White Chocolate Drizzled Pretzles

& my favorite - Cake Batter Rice Krispies!

(found here)

It was a fun evening, but I am also relieved it is over!

Spending 2 days in the kitchen with my attention OCUPADO left Mr. Cadbury to his own devices.

Naughty!

Earthquake

2011-11-07T19:28:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been in an EARTHQUAKE!?!

Me neither...

until Saturday night.

My ♥ has started racing by just thinking about it.
Not that anything serious happened or anyone was hurt, but you don't know that will be the outcome at that moment, do you.

It was 11 p.m. and Jordan was getting ready to take theSout for a potty break. He disappeared around the corner and I thought 'Gosh, he must be running/playing with Cadbury for the front door.'

Next thought, 'No, that's too loud. The people above us must be making all that ruckus.'

Then I saw Jordan's face

and I KNEW what was happening.

Knowing the earth is shaking is very unsettling.

It lasted about a minute and we later found out it was a magnitude 5.6 quake.

{Not BIG, but not little.}

Like I said, no harm done.

I am missing Arizona and its safety from Mother Nature.
Speaking of Dear Mother Nature, we are supposed to see tornadoes in these parts this evening while we sleep.

Ahh, how Pleasant.

{P.S. As I wrote this post, I felt an unpleasantly large aftershock...this place is gonna be the death of me!}

Sweet dreams!

Cadbury Goes and Goes and Goes

2011-11-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

There is a song I cannot get out of my head.

It goes like this...

♪♫♪ Cadbury goes and goes and goes! ♫♪♫

A very silly little boy named Bobby

sang it over & over & over this weekend.

We had the privilege of hanging out with the Shillibeans in Dallas this last weekend!

I NEEDED to see faces that I know & love so dearly!

It cheered me right up! {More on THAT drama in an upcoming post.}

The plan was to celebrate some Halloween with those of us that have moved far from home. Maybe even carry on the tradition of doughnut making without my mama. It was so so fun to watch the kids play with Cadbury.

The poor little pup is sorely lacking in playmates & I am afraid gets quite bored with Jordan & I.

Bobby came up with the 'Cadbury Goes' song while they would chase each other around the house and yard.

It was great!

We went to a small ward Halloween party

with the characters from Phineas and Ferb!

That sister-in-law of mine, Holly, is oh so very clever & creative.

We unfortunately never got around to making the legendary Spudnuts & I am insanely jealous of all the family members who did enjoy them this year without us.

Speaking of those crazy families in Arizona...

we sure missed seeing Mr. and Mrs. Darling, Tinkerbell, Captain James Hook, Smee, Peter Pan, & the Crocodile Clock Tower!

& the other crazies...

Dorothy & Toto, the Good Witch, the Wicked Witch of the West, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and the Tin Man!

I am related to people who really get into the Halloween spirit! Maybe one of these years I will join them.

So I didn't get doughnuts, but we did get fed like Kings! My brother, Tim, is quite the chef & we sure didn't go hungry! We were sad to go home,

but I think Cadbury was a little worn out

& happy to hop back in the truck to head for home.

We'll be back though! How could we not be constantly drawn back by these cute faces?!?

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T13:56:00.000-07:00

May your tricks be few and your treats be many!

California Vacation

2011-10-24T13:13:00.000-07:00

My sister, Bethany, invited me {Aunt Meme}

to stay at a beach house, in Oceanside, with her family.

So I packed my bag, hoped flights would be clear, & thankfully landed in San Diego without any problems.

My Dad, Mom, & Ben were also there for the first part of the week!

We had a lot of fun playing at the beach.

I always have fun with family. ♥ ♥ ♥

Nora's fingers were too sandy to feed herself powdered doughnuts, so I stepped in

to help out the poor starving 4 year old.

Beninem left his mark on the beach.

"Pump Up the Volume - Beninem Hip Hop '480' - Ben Shill"

I think Bethany took this picture right before she turned the 'Ben Shill' into 'Bum Shill'...she thinks she is funny.

After spending the day on the beach, we roasted s'mores.

"If it doesn't get all over the place...it doesn't belong in your face."

What is that Uncle Ben is doing in the background??? Hmmm...kind of looks like...well, I'll let you decide.

We did quite a bit besides the beach.
On Sunday we went to the Mormon Battalion.

It was fun with all of Beth's kids.

Lucy said, "Um...this is a lot more fun than going to church." :)

Right across the street from the Mormon Battalion is Heritage Park where there are the most glorious houses.

They are all historical sites & were such a pleasure to stare at. So we killed a few more hours just hanging out on the lawns & enjoying the view.

This tree is in the center of the park, isn't it grand!

One of our beach days was shortened by fog. So we cleaned the sand off our bodies

& headed to the Birch Aquarium.

The interactive play park was the bomb!

I want one of these tables...seriously, I could have spent hours arranging walls to increase water pressure & get my boat down the fastest. They had to kick us out at closing time.

I was sad to see my parents

go home & we parted after a tasty lunch at

El Indio {in downtown San Diego, found out from Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives}.

Jordan flew in the next day, just in time to start the annual "Square Reunion."

{Square = 4 corners, Jordan & His Best Friends = 4, Square Reunion = Everyone getting together & having a good time}

After spending some time at Crystal Cove Beach in Newport with this guy

& saying my goodbyes to the Peterson clan

Jordan & his friends picked me up so the Square festivities could begin.

We unfortunately only got to enjoy half of the festivities because of packed flights & us having to leave a day early in order for us to make it home before Jordan had to be back at work, BUT...

Fortunately, the half we did enjoy was filled with

DISNEYLAND!!!
It was a tight squeeze into the teacup.

I beat Jordan! I beat Jordan!

We had the Once In A Lifetime privilege of eating at Club 33. Nate works for PWC & was able to get us reservations. It is the fanciest lunch I have ever eaten. We paid $80 each to eat lunch, BUT that included free park hopper passes. So we pretty much got a real fancy lunch for free (since we would have paid at least $80 for one-day park hopper passes anyway).

It was my first time having lamb chops. Jordan had a whole assortment of seafood, but I think everyones favorite part of the meal was dessert. The Crème Brûlée was to die for!

We got a birds eye view of New Orleans Square. It was so fun!

One of our favorite rides, the Tower of Terror did not disappoint!

{Me, Jordan, Nate, Aaron, Bryce}

We loved seeing the new 'World of Color'

program at California Adventure that night. It is amazing the things people come up with.

We were sad to go home, but we woke up bright & early the next morning & caught a flight to Tulsa.

Thanks to everyone who made the fun all possible!

pj's

2011-09-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

Cadbury just got his first pair of pj's.

He likes them alright. I love them!

Thank You, Target!

My First Autumn

2011-09-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

Every day I take Cadbury on {multiple} walks. It is gloriously splendid outside. Then I realized yesterday, this will be my very first {real} Autumn! I am enjoying every minute of it. It has reinstated my love of baking. During the hot, miserable summer, it was hard to want to turn on that oven. Now though, I am perfectly happy to be mixing up something delicious. Last week I made multiple batches of Banana Bread

to give to neighbors and the women I Visit Teach.

For a Young Woman's birthday at church, I made

Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies.

Let me recommend these to everyone. I don't really like peanut butter cookies, but I couldn't keep my mouth away from these guys. {Especially hot out of the oven...the Milk Dud was warm & melty and scrumptious!}

Last night I was dreaming of Peach Cobbler. So I found this recipe and it was quite tasty.

Besides baking, I also seem to have caught a craft bug. Yesterday I stalked the aisles at Michael's & Hobby Lobby for projects. Last night I made this cute little number for our {no longer} naked front door.

I got this next darling idea from my niece & these are on my To Do List.

The final crafting project that I think I'll get a start on today is this Book Page Wreath.

Pinterest is getting me into all of these fabulous ideas. Have you discovered it yet? Seriously some really great stuff. Not only crafty ideas, but recipes, fashion, & some amusing pictures...like this one was on there yesterday with the caption:

"Oh, you're home early!"

Ha ha! I was also able to find the PERFECT gift for our 5-Year Anniversary coming up...

{found here}

$$$$$$$ I don't think Jordan is liking that gift idea. $$$$$$$

So during all this crafting & baking for the past couple days, what has my poor dog been doing?

Sitting here,

barking at a cup in the parking lot. The same cup. For 2 days.

Finally this morning, I took him out to play with the object of his affection.

Fun had by all...maybe not by the cup though.

Anyone have any more great recipes or craft ideas??? Send them my way!

Trixie

2011-09-08T18:41:00.000-07:00

When I was a young wort hog, my mom used to call me 'Trixie'. Whenever I would perform any special tricks {such as cartwheels, flips onto her water bed, or aerials on the trampoline} she would clap & say "That's my Trixie Girl!"

Well, I have got a dog that I could name Trixie! Just remember you saw it here first! ;)

Performing 'How Much Is That Doggie In the Window' I give you Cadbury Rogers everyone!

He was a little camera shy in the beginning, but pulls through to a solid finish!

Have a great day!

Arizona Bound

2011-09-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

I was finally able to visit Arizona. It had been way too

l o n g !

I had yet to meet my newest nephew and it was my sweet Mother Dearests birthday.

Flights have been so bad over the summer that when I saw how wonderfully open they were early on a Wednesday morning, I called up Jordan & told him to book my flight! One hour later I was headed to Arizona!

Drake is adorable and quite chunky! What a sweet boy he is! For my mom's birthday we celebrated by meeting Ben at Firehouse Subs for lunch...his treat! {It's free on your birthday, by the way.}

After lunch, we did some shopping.

My mom loves Jordan's Grandma Twila's Rocky Road Chocolate Buttermilk Cake and that was what she requested for her birthday cake.

I was so happy to see all these kiddos!

While I was in Mesa, my sister-in-law had her baby girl, Livy. So I got to visit her too!

This sweet little girl weighed in at a whopping 10 pounds 8 ounces at the time of her birth!

I was also able to sneak in a quick visit to good old SSE & see all these beautiful faces that I miss working with everyday.

I had just missed Marianne,

but she drove all the way to see me when she got off work {super sweet of her} & I was thrilled to hear she was {finally} pregnant! So very happy for her!

I had fun seeing everyone and spending some precious moments with my family, whom I miss!

I was definitely needed back home though...

before all the toilet paper got torn to pieces.

Since I have been home, I have been helping Cadbury kick his toilet paper eating habit &...

I got my hair cut!

I also was made an official Okie...I got my Oklahoma Driver's License. I'm not gonna lie, I had a hard time parting with the old Arizona one. Oh well, time to move on!

Cadbury Goes to Dallas

2011-08-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

My brother, Tim, & his family just moved to Dallas! We took a little road trip south so we could help out. Cadbury prefers to ride in comfort & for him comfort means sitting like this...!

{There was absolutely NO staging done here. The dog sat like this all by himself!}

We had an entertaining drive, to say the least.

My parents, Tim's family, & my brother, Chris, & his wife, Heather, were making the

L O N G

2-day trek across Arizona, New Mexico, & Texas with the moving van & cars so we got to Dallas earlier than them. With a few spare hours we arranged to visit the Mason's! We were so excited to see them. We went out to lunch, did some window shopping in Downtown Dallas, & toured their new home in Irving. Then we headed over to Tim & Holly's new Texas home,

while Tim goes to Chiropractic School, to help with the move.

I was glad some of my family got to meet Cadbury.

He too, was thrilled to see everybody.

At 10 o'clock we all headed to get some dinner to fill our empty bellies. Where else would we go in Texas, but Chuy's!

Before we headed back home, the following day, we grabbed lunch,

pinkberry,

& drove by the Dallas Temple.

It was a lot of work & all who helped are exhausted from their labors

& maybe even a teeny bit crazy from the lack of sleep.

{What my Smart Alec dad did when Cadbury failed to fetch his rope & since dad was standing next to it, Jordan said, "Fetch, Bob."}

I know the three of us from Tulsa are bone tired,

but it is always nice to see family!

Guess who is headed up to Tulsa tomorrow!!!

Yay!

Lately

2011-08-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been busy painting. I have been wanting to paint our coffee table & finally was motivated to get it done. It has been BLAZING HOT{Tulsa has been the hot spot in the country!!!} & I honestly cannot go outside for longer than it takes Cadbury to do his business. So being stuck indoors I decided it was a good time to paint.

It turned out better than I could have expected & having it done motivated me to paint this next piece as well.

I painted this lamp using 'crackle' paint and it turned out super cute. I also fixed up the lamp shade.

In Puppy News...On Saturday morning, Jordan made eggs and sat down to eat them when up hopped Cadbury! He just wanted a better look.

& someplace to rest his head?

How can you say no to this sweet little guy?
Later that day, we were relaxing around the house and started seeing lightning flash across the sky. So I opened up the windows so we could have a better view. Cadbury didn't want to be left out and desperately wanted to climb on the table so he could watch too.

I had Jordan go get a blanket so he wouldn't scratch up the table and he absolutely loved that he got to see outside.

He went berserk when Jordan went outside and was checking out a few things on his truck in the garage below us.

Speaking of the garage being directly below us...Cadbury always gets super excited when he hears the garage open & shut underneath us...he knows it means Jordan will be coming home from work & walking through the door in just a matter of seconds. It is really quite precious.

Since this past weekend Cadbury's favorite spot is up on his chair where he can watch what is going on in our neighborhood...slash parking lot.

Older Than Dirt

2011-07-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

We had the privilege to bask in the glory of this beautiful scenery for a week while in Breckenridge,Colorado celebrating Big Daddy's 70th!!!

I got to Colorado a little early because I wanted to be sure I would be there for all the festivities. We have learned that flying for free is not as glamorous as one might think. It has been very difficult and ~~a lot of times~~, most of the time, it isn't even possible to get on a flight. So I planned to leave on a Thursday and spend all day in airports if I had to, but I was gonna make it! And I did! Actually, without any problems! {Coming home was a totally different story.}

On Friday night, Elyce, Anita and I went out to dinner at a delicious Cajun restaurant - - it was my first taste of Cajun! On the way back home we ran across a very beautiful Double Rainbow!

Did I mention that while we were in Colorado we were enjoying a chilly 60 degree weather while the rest of the country was experiencing a heat wave! The weather was absolutely gorgeous and I could have died a happy person if I happened to get struck by lightning during one of the nightly thunderstorms.

Jordan was able to join us that weekend.

We had a very exciting journey rafting down Clear Creek. Due to all the rain the mountains were getting each night and the snow that was still melting off the mountains, it made for the highest waters they had ever seen in Clear Creek. It also made 38 degree water. So glad we were decked out in wet suits and other cold water appropriate attire. It was my first time really rafting. {I have rafted down the Snake River in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, but that was a leisurely float.} This experience was terrifying to begin with, but too much fun that you forgot you were scared out of your mind. It is extremely unfortunate there are no pictures of us in our rafting apparel...we looked good, really good. It is extremely fortunate we live in a modern world filled with technological advancements so I could help with your mental images of us.

It was really a lot of fun and I can't wait to go rafting again sometime. We also enjoyed walking down Main Street and looking in all the shops.

There was a hat store that had every hat you could dream of wearing.

I loved the Sesame Street Beanies.

Dad, Mom, & Ben joined us on Monday night. It was good to see their beautiful faces,

especially since they came bearing gifts! {Thanks again for the cute cardi, Mom!}

Jordan had to go back to work, so he departed Tuesday morning. I was so happy he was able to come for part of the trip and get a break from work to enjoy the great outdoors with me.

Luckily, he didn't have to be all alone back home because Cadbury kept him really good company.

Side Story: Jordan works with one of the sweetest ladies in this whole wide world and she watched our sweet little Cadbury while we were gone. She sent Jordan this super cute e-mail a few days into dog sitting when Jordan asked her how he was doing...

She is too cute and as a thank you once I got home I made her some

Coconut Cupcakes with Blueberry Buttercream Frosting.

Dad's Big Day involved a breakfast of Ebelskivers.

Best way to describe them: Pancake/Doughnut Balls filled with Raspberry Jam. They were pretty good, but tricky to make. For sure worth it on a special occasion like your Dad turning 70. After breakfast, we decided to go check out the Fun Park over at Peak 8. We rode the gondola up the mountain.

Once at the top we enjoyed the beautiful views.

Ben rode the Alpine Slide.

There was lots of fun stuff to do, but more for little kids to do rather than big kids. We tried to get Dad to buy the special Senior (70+) $20 Park Pass so we could all be entertained by watching him ride the ponies, go through the wacky mirror maze, take a cruise on the roller coaster and alpine slide, goofy golf, and other exciting things, but he had no interest. So we went home and did what Dad ♥'s best. Relaxing.

Each night we looked forward to feeding this ferocious looking guy.

We named him {I actually think him was a her, but whatever} Foxy. He loved eating our leftover grilled salmon and teriyaki marinated brisket. He would eat all his stomach desired, then he would haul the rest of the goodies up the mountain to his family which included a mate and two or three kits.

I hope someone else is feeding Foxy now that we are gone. He was pretty scraggly looking and I would have brought him home if I knew he wouldn't eat my poor little puppy. :)
To pass the time, we did some shopping at the outlet stores nearby and took a drive to Leadville for some antique shopping. The drive to Leadville was through the mountains and there were so many mini waterfalls coming off the mountains, it made for a wonderful drive. This picturesque lake was on the way.

It was an exceptionally fabulous trip! It was so hard to leave the beautiful weather and mountains & the good company and food. It has been fun to reminisce on stories of Dad throughout the years and I was glad I could be with him to celebrate the official day that made him older than dirt. I really think he should just start aging backwards now, like Benjamin Button.

By the end of my trip, I felt so good & relaxed. Then it was time to come home & I got stuck in the airport. Boo! Luckily, twelve hours later I was home. Seriously, I was lucky. I was minutes away from spending the night in Dallas.

Old Glory

2011-07-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

This year we had a pretty low key Fourth!

We tried to get home to Arizona, but alas, it was not in our cards.

So we did the next best thing and relaxed.

I very much missed making french toast and pancakes for all my family and seeing all the nieces and nephews decked out in their Red, White, & Blue best.

I cheered myself up by hanging out in the kitchen and making some scrumptious edibles.

Have you ever had chilaquiles?! They are so delicious and I thought I would try to replicate the ones we had when we were in Dallas last. We went to a great place called

and had some that I DREAM about.

Mine turned out really good, maybe not quite as good, but definitely still edible.

Ingredients:

2 cups oil for frying

1/4 cup chopped onion

30 (6 inch) corn tortillas, cut into eights
8 eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons salt
1 (7.75 ounce) can Mexican style hot tomato sauce {like El Pato}
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Directions:
1. In a large, heavy skillet, heat the oil to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Carefully stir in the tortilla strips. Fry until tortilla strips are crisp and golden brown. Remove from heat, and drain on paper towels. Drain the skillet, leaving only a thin residue of oil.
2. Over medium heat, sautee onion. Then add eggs and cook until eggs are firm. Add tortilla strips to the pan. Season with salt.
3. Mix Mexican style hot tomato sauce and water into the skillet. Reduce heat, and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Top with cheese. Continue cooking until cheese has melted.

Next I made PIE! I went a little 'summer fruit' crazy at Sam's Club so we had more fruit than we could possibly eat and so I made fruit pies.

Creamy Blueberry Crumble Pie

Ingredients:

3 cups fresh blueberries

1 (9 inch) deep dish pie crust

3/4 cup white sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup butter
Directions:
1. Combine 1 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, salt, and cinnamon. Add eggs and sour cream, stirring until blended.
2. Place blueberries in pastry shell, and spoon sour cream mixture over berries.
3. In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in butter or margarine with pastry blender until mixture resembles course meal. Sprinkle this mixture over sour cream mixture and berries in the pie shell.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 50 to 55 minutes, or until lightly browned. If desired, garnish with additional blueberries and mint leaves.

The Blueberry pie was wonderful! If you have some extra blueberries lying around, do yourself a favor and make this pie.

Purple Plum Pie

Ingredients:

4 cups sliced fresh plums

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 (9 inch) unbaked deep dish pastry shell
TOPPING:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons cold butter or margarine
Directions:
1. In a bowl, combine the first six ingredients; pour into the pastry shell. For topping, combine sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg in a small bowl; cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over filling. Bake at 375 degrees F for 50-60 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Cover edges of crust during the last 20 minutes to prevent over-browning. Cool on a wire rack.

The Plum pie was pretty tart! It should be eaten with lots of vanilla ice cream!

We drove to Fort Gibson to eat dinner {& pie} with my Aunt & Uncle. Then we enjoyed a spectacular fireworks show.

As we drove home, I sat pondering. I am thankful for the freedoms I enjoy each & every day. I am thankful to the brave men & women that protect us each day. On the flight that officially made my home Oklahoma, I had spent many hours in the airport. It was a long day. I spent extra hours in the Dallas airport because we had a very special passenger that would be joining us. He would not be seated in the cabin though, his journey {which was much, much longer than mine} was in the cargo hold, his seat, a wooden box. The flight attendant asked us all to stand as he was loaded into the belly of the plane. Then when we landed here in Tulsa, we were in no rush to EXIT the plane. We watched out our little windows as his fellow soldiers, one of whom accompanied him the entire journey to make sure he made it home, carried him to his parents, his wife, and his son. It was a scene that I don't want to forget.

There is great sacrifice tied to our freedom.

Before the fireworks show started, a prayer was said, the National Anthem was sung, and we all stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. It's amazing how even though I probably haven't said it in years, I could say it perfectly.

Memory Lane

2011-07-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

I recently watched

and what a great movie it is!

I think Peter Pan really had the right idea. I love the idea of never growing up...of course for me, it is sadly, too late.

If I had to sum my childhood up into one memory it would be this...

Each morning I would wake and put on a swimsuit. I ventured out into the backyard and gathered all the summer fruit.

These all would then be tossed into the pool, me following after them. I would swim and swim and swim and when I got hungry, I would pluck an apricot or a peach floating next to me in the water, and eat it. Rinse and repeat.

If I had to sum up my childhood summers with a face it would be this one...

Leah, my niece, was born 10 days after me.

[Right to left: Bethany, Shawna, Leah, Mom, Me, Christine, Hannah, Aunt Susan, Jeannie]

I loved when she would come stay with us.

It meant playing 'Mermaids' in the pool or playing 'Add On' on the trampoline. I was the Queen Bee on the trampoline. I could do every kind of trick.

Side Note: Apparently trampoline skills do not carry with you when you grow up. The last time I jumped on a trampoline, I had not learned this concept yet. I learned it the morning after Jordan and I got engaged. We were in Provo at my Aunt Susan and Uncle Derry's house and they had a trampoline. I thought I would show off my amazing abilities to my new fiancee. I did one measly back flip that had a little too much umph in it and I bounced right off the trampoline and landed in a heap on the ground, my head cushioning my fall. Jordan said from the looks of what happened, he thought about slipping that ring quickly off my finger and making a run for it. He wasn't sure he was ready to commit to a relationship with a quadriplegic. Lucky for him, it was just my pride that was hurt. I haven't and probably will not ever enjoy performing my tricks on a trampoline ever again. See what I mean about growing up...bad news.

There were other faces that bring a flood of memories back to me.

Tawny, Leah's little sister, was like a little sister to me as well.

[Halloween '89]

I remember going shopping and Leah's mom was buying her and Tawny this pink hat and these white sandals. I had to have them too. Even though this is probably the only time I ever wore a hat. {I am not a hat person. As you can see, I look awful in hats and still do. Who looks bad in a hat? I feel like it's just me.}

Another face I always looked forward to seeing was that of my cousin Lindsay.

[Thanksgiving '89]

I have always loved these pictures from when my family visited Lindsay's family in San Luis Obispo.

It must be our really bad hair cuts. It is like they are so bad, we are cute. You know, like when you see a dog that is so ugly, it's cute. Like that.

Another random Side Note: When I think of that trip, I think of the song 'Nothing Compares to You' by Sinead O'Connor. I think I must have been looking at a stack of Cd's in their home and I had never seen a woman with a shaved head before so this image

and the song are engraved in my memory.

These are all relatives, but there is one more face that I have always considered a relative. She has always remained a great friend and always pops up in my life when I least expect it.

Our backyard neighbor growing up, Krissy.

Like I said, a part of the family...

I have too many favorite memories with Krissy. Let's see...

♦ Her and my sister, Bethany, bribing me to eat dog food.

♦ Running 3 miles with her every night and chatting about boys.

♦ "Working" at American & Import Floors.

[She is moving to Puerto Rico & I hope to make lots of great memories with her there too. ☺]

Since I can no longer be a child, it is fun to go through all my old pictures and reminisce.

Or there is always J.M. Barrie's method,

"You know that place between sleeping and awake, that place where you can still remember dreaming? That's where I'll always think of you."

Laynee June

2011-06-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

I was going through some old pictures and came across one of my favorites. I kept it framed in my bedroom. This is Laynee when she was just a little round thing.

She turned 8 last week! I missed going to her house for birthday celebrations and homemade ice cream as requeseted by the birthday girl {a girl after my own ♥ . Ice cream addict for life!}.

This gal is super smart. One Sunday evening I remember teaching her the word 'putrid.' She never forgot it and whenever she would see her me, she would say something like, "Meme, don't you think Bobby {troublesome-filled little brother} is smelling putrid today?!"

Laynee's Great Grandma (on her mom's side, so not my Grandma) has always said Laynee and I look alike. I can only hope I am that cute!

I am super proud of your decision to get baptized and will be with you in ♥ .

Love you Layne-Bop!!

Fleming's Macaroni and Cheese

2011-06-16T15:24:00.000-07:00

Jordan's job comes with some fabulous perks.

A few weeks ago we got to go to dinner with one of the guys he has been working with and he took us to Fleming's.

Everything I ate was fabulous, but the Macaroni and Cheese was the best I have ever had.

I found the recipe online and tried it out.

It was so tasty & I am so glad we have a whole pan full of the stuff so I can nibble on it for the rest of the week!

I have been searching for a 'go to' mac & cheese recipe & here I have found it.

Fleming's Macaroni and Cheese:

1 lb pasta (cavatappi or curly) ---I found it called "Twists"

2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

3/4 cup onion, 1/2-inch dice
1/2 cup butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
3 cups half-and-half
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon white pepper
3/4 lb smoked cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 lb cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon dried chipotle powder (chipotle chili powder)
3/4 cup panko

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large pot, bring 1 gallon of water to boil. Add 2 teaspoons salt and pasta and cook for 8 - 9 minutes

2. Drain pasta and cool under cold running water. Pasta should be slightly firm. Toss drained pasta in oil and reserve.

3. Melt butter in a large sauce pot over medium heat. Add onions and saute for
4-5 minute.

4. Add flour and cook 1 - 2 minute but do not brown.

5. Add cream, half and half, salt and white pepper.

6. Bring pot to a simmer. Cook until sauce is thick, about 5 - 6 minute Blend cheese into sauce and add cooked pasta.

7. Pour pasta and sauce into a 9 x 13" baking dish. Reserve.

8. In a saute pan over medium-high heat, add oil and chipotle chili powder. Heat for 30 seconds, until pan starts to smoke. Remove from stove and stir in bread crumbs.

9. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the pasta and bake for 15 - 20 minute until golden. Cool slightly before serving.

Another great recipe I've recently tried out is something totally out of the ordinary for me. Our friends left us with a fridge full of free food {at least them moving left us with one advantage}.

One of the items was 8 packets of ahi tuna steaks. I found this Teriyaki Tuna recipe and it was scrumptious!

Teriyaki Tuna:

1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

1 1/2 pounds sashimi grade tuna steaks

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 lemon

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

2 teaspoons sea salt

ground black pepper to taste

1 carrot, grated

1. Pour the teriyaki sauce into a shallow dish or bowl, and place tuna steaks in the sauce to marinate. Cover, and allow to marinate for about 45 minutes at room temperature. The steaks will cook more evenly if they are not cold.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place tuna steaks in the hot oil. Use teriyaki sauce, don't throw it out (see step 3). Squeeze juice from the lemon over the steaks, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. When the bottom is light brown (approx. 3 minutes), flip the steaks, and cook until browned on the other side (approx. 3 minutes). The center will still be slightly red. Season with sea salt and pepper.

3. While steaks are cooking, pour teriyaki sauce into small saucepan and bring to slow simmer. Once you've removed the steaks from large skillet pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet to pick up leftover drippings.

4.Place the tuna steaks onto serving plates, and garnish with grated carrots. Serve the teriyaki sauce as a dipping sauce.

Hope you'll try these out so your stomachs can be as happy as ours have been. :)

P.S. Somebody likes to sleep on their back...

Cadbury Cream

2011-06-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

A lot has been going on around here!

A couple weeks ago we went to Dallas with our friends.

Unfortunately, we all went because they are sadly moving there.

It was fun going back to Texas. I love Texas!

I told Jordan, "I like Tulsa, but I love Texas!"

All the fun memories from last summer came flooding back to us...through our stomachs.

Rudy's BBQ,

Chuy's Tex-Mex,

& pinkberry

were all located in the same shopping center in Arlington.

Heaven!

We had a really fun time together. We all stayed at the Adolphus Hotel (the Queen of England herself has stayed there).

Jordan & I went to the Sixth Floor Museum. It is the location that Lee Harvey Oswald set up his rifle & shot President Kennedy. It was really neat to learn all about it & see the spot where it all took place.

We are really going to miss the Mason's!

I will especially miss smuggling their dog Ralphie

into Target when Natalie & I are on a Cool Ranch Dorito's & Chocolate Gelato run.

As soon as we got home from Dallas we were welcomed home by an ENORMOUS storm. Tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma City, then headed through Tulsa, & beyond. Luckily, we ended up being in a portion of the storm that wasn't as violent as it was everywhere else. We could hear some nearby tornado sirens going off, but ours never did. Nevertheless, I hung out bravely in a closet until it passed.

Then the week after that Jordan's sisters & mom passed through on their way to move Lindsay (Beauty on the right) to Tennessee. They were only here overnight, but it was good to see their beautiful faces.

I know Jordan enjoyed showing them around town!

The MOST exciting part of the past few weeks was this last weekend.

We finally got a dog!!!

Meet Cadbury Rogers ♥ ♥ ♥

He is 5 months old & as precious as can be.

{Look at that Buddha belly!}

He really is a sweetheart.

{He poops out wherever he feels the need. He'll be walking next to you one minute & the next he plopped down to take a break.}

We found him at the Tulsa Animal Shelter. He wasn't available yet, but he must have really worked his magic on Jordan because Jordan went back a few days later to put our names on the waiting list. We were #2. Then the day he became available, Jordan & I made sure to get to the shelter as soon as it opened so we could get first dibs. Lucky for us #1 never showed so Cadbury (the Carin Terrier mix)was all ours!

I am so glad he has joined our little family. He will be able to keep Jordan company when I go home to Arizona this coming week so I can meet my newest nephew, Drake.

See you soon little guy!

Face Lift

2011-05-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

I have just completed another project. Whew! My Aunt Diane was getting rid of these chairs & I am so glad I snagged them. I wish there were more than just the two. {I am re-thinking that last statement. They were each a lot of work, so now I'm torn.}

Before:

After:

It's amazing what a little paint can do!

Good Eats

2011-05-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

My sister keeps asking me if I've made anything tasty since we've moved here.

Last week I made some delicious dinners & some yummy treats that I would like to share!

I started off the week [Monday] with something I knew would be impressive to my husbands tummy. I had been out of town for a long time & the poor little guy had to eat out every night. Leading me to...

Pesto, Mozzarella, and Tomato Pizza

Pita Bread [I originally had pita bread in my cart, but then I saw Basil Naan. My brother has raved about his grilled Naan pizza, so I traded out the pita bread...I don't think I will ever even try the pita bread because the Naan is so delish! ***Naan is an Indian flat bread. I found this kind atTarget.]
Pesto [I used this recipe.]
1 cup thinly sliced Mozzarella cheese [Don't skimp here! Go for the good Mozzarella!]
1 large tomato, sliced
1/4 cup thinly sliced basil

Preheat oven 450 degrees. Spray pita [or naan] with cooking spray. Spread pesto evenly over crust leaving 1/2 inch border. Top with tomato slices, then mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle basil over the top. Bake at 450 for 5 minutes [I baked mine for longer to make sure the cheese was thoroughly melted]. Yum!

Next I made Taco Soup.

This has become one of my favorite recipes. I would make it every week if I didn't feel like Jordan would get sick of it. I use the recipe you can find here. Best when served with Frito's!!! Also, I add more seasoning {like always} because I find it a little bland if you follow the exact recipe.

While blogging, I ran across this next recipe. Who doesn't love Somoa Girl Scout Cookies?!? Now, who loves the $$$ of Girl Scout Cookies?!? Not moi!!! So I tried this recipe out...

& 100 years after I started making them, they were complete. I will never complain about the cost of a Somoa ever again! What I am getting at: I don't recommend using this recipe, just go buy them.

Another recipe I tried for the first time turned out to be a new favorite.

3 Cheese Manicotti

[Well shells, really. Target did not have Manicotti so I used JUMBO Shells.]

2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 cup Ricotta cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup chopped dry parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
Marinara Sauce [I tried out Giada's Savory Sauce from Target & it was good enough that I'll buy it again.]

Mix first 6 ingredients. Cook & drain Manicotti [or JUMBO Shells]. Fill pasta with cheese mixture. Spray baking dish with PAM. Spoon some Marinara sauce to coat bottom of the pan. Then add stuffed pasta. Top with more sauce & sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Finally, I will end with these...

Malasadas or Chinese Doughnuts

1 tin Buttermilk Biscuits, cut each biscuit into 4 pieces & roll in hand until round
1/2 cup sugar

Drop dough balls into 350 degree oil [I used my Wok]. Fry until golden brown. Place on paper towel and then transfer into brown paper bag with sugar. Shake until evenly coated. Healthy & satisfying!;)

I hope some, if not all, of these recipes make it to your tummies!

Oh, and a Happy Mother's Day to all you Mothers out there!!! I hope your day was as special as can be!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Slavedom

2011-05-06T08:22:00.000-07:00

{I'm going to jump right in here...if you are wondering why, when, where, & for whom I did this, check out the last blog post "Easters."}
I use the word slavedom, but really my services were voluntary.
I like to paint, what else can I say.
After over 20 gallons of paint (7-8 different colors),

maybe 50 paint rollers, thousands of feet of painter's tape, and millions of brushstrokes, I could still probably spend at least another three weeks finishing things up!

Here are the "Before's" and the "After's," get your "Ooh's" and "Ahh's" ready.
I thought we would start at the front door. Actually, this is not my masterpiece to brag about. Mom painted the door...

This is the large family room, leading to the kitchen.

The fireplace looks 1,000% better than it did!
U-G-L-Y {it ain't got no alibi!}

The spare bathroom upstairs...

Master Bedroom

Lucy & Nora's bedroom

The basement..."After"

{That is a jumpy castle in the middle of the floor...& the whiter part of the wall is for the projector to shine on & play movies.}

The babies room..."After"

I painted two of these side tables.

I also made this shelf a little more interesting...it used to be plain ol' white.

This is the only "Before" picture I have of this nightstand, but it turned out really nice too.

Now you can see why I may still be picking paint out of my fingernails.

There were a few more rooms I painted that weren't pictured:

1 office

2 hallways

1 master bathroom

1 living room

11 kitchen

I think Nora likes her new house though, what do ya think?!

Easters

2011-05-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Easters. If you don't know why there is an 's' on the end of Easter, GO watch Nacho Libre...

anyway, as you may or may not have noticed, I am behind. WAY behind. Allow me to get caught up.

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

Rewind to three weeks ago, April 12, my sister's birthday!!! Jordan & I flew to Dallas where we then went our separate ways, him to Florida for a convention & me to Mesa to help the birthday girl.

Bethany needed help. She was 8 months pregnant,

moving into a new house that was a foreclosure and in need of a lot of work. Since I am the designated painter in the family & I fly free, I was happy to do my part. Jordan joined me there Easter weekend so we could participate in the celebration of a very happy couple, Jordan's little brother Stephen & his new wife, Ginny.

Their reception was fabulous,

her dress was gorgeous, & we were so happy we could see them be sealed for time and all eternity.

Easter consisted of going to church, Deviled Eggs,

Grilled Salmon, Lemon Passion Cake,

& an Easter Egg Hunt!!!

First the littles get a head start...

then their older BIGGER siblings join them.

When the hunt was completed, consuming the candy began. Oh, & Uncle Ben looking around for generous little hands.

I did many other things while visiting Mesa, not all were captured on film.

We dined at a yummy Thai place in Gilbert with Jordan's siblings...twice!

Jordan & I saw

which was, eh.

I got a pedicure.

I had a girls night with my mom & Beth. {A much needed break from all the painting!}

We saw

which I really liked.

Mostly I painted, but I will put the three weeks of slavedom in a separate blog post {mostly for you, Elyce ;) }.

It was wonderful to see all of our loved ones.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Until next time...

Celebrating...Jordan

2011-03-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

Jordan wanted to celebrate his 26th birthday in Chicago. The 35° weather wouldn't STOP him. Since I wasn't thrilled about how cold it would be, I thought I would invite our friends, the Mason's, to join in on the fun. Misery loves company, right.

We started off the weekend with Jordan's favorite...

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake

{I try not to take offense...I make delicious homemade cakes & Jordan just wants an ice cream cake.}

I invited the Mason's to come enjoy some cake & plan some last minute details to our trip that would take place the following morning, & they made Jordan's day with a gift card to his favorite lunch spot...Wendy's.

The four of us set off early Saturday morning for the airport.

Destination: The Windy City {Seriously an understatement!}

We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel located in the ♥ of downtown Chicago.

Our first goal was to eat a Chicago style deep-dish pizza. The Real Deal.

We happened upon this place...

where we ate this...

I have got to admit, I never thought I would like deep-dish since I am a HUGE fan of thin crust, but this was 100% tasty!

Foolishly thinking a scrumptious meal like that would warm our souls, we set out to find Navy Pier.

Lesson Learned: If one walks TOWARDS a large body of water, {like Lake Michigan, for example} one is more likely to come across wind. ESPECIALLY if one is in a place named THE WINDY CITY!!!

In all seriousness folks, it felt like my face was going to split open & then shatter like glass. My face got so cold that I started to talk like I had just been to the dentist & my whole face was numb. I have never been so cold in my life.

PLUS + + + Navy Pier...

Pretty much CLOSED completely down when it's 35°. Thankfully there was a large stained glass display we walked through.

We decided walking was for the birds, & caught a TAXI to see the Sear's Tower.

At the tippy-top.

Cute & brave couple sitting on the glass bottom ledge 1,353 feet up in the air.

Jordan didn't want anything to do with the glass ledge. He stayed long enough to snap this picture, but after that he was outta there!

That evening we ate some great Irish cuisine at a pub down the street from our hotel. The concierge recommended it & it did not disappoint. We slept in the next morning, exhausted from the previous day, ate a late breakfast at another place recommended by the concierge {another meal that lived up to our expectations} & then went to the Chicago Science & Industry Museum. Before leaving Chicago, we needed to taste a Chicago Dog, or something along those lines, & since the concierge had a great track record, we asked him where to go...he sent us to Portillo's Hot Dogs.

And do you know what I'm going to say?...Yep, it was satisfying.

Jordan had a very Happy Birthday.

Thank You to everyone who called, texted, & sent cards!

As a thank you to the Mason's, I made them some Strawberry Cupcakes today...

I love going over there are playing with this adorable little guy, Ralphie.

Speaking of adorable...

Jordan, not me.

Happy Birthday, Babe! I love You!

Pie Safe-Makeover Edition

2011-03-12T11:15:00.000-08:00

I have been sanding. I have been cleaning and polishing. I have been sawing & hacking (which resulted in an 'Oops' moment involving my fingers). I have been priming. I have been picking out paint colors. I have been picking out better paint colors. I have been painting. I have been antiquing. I have been varnishing. I have been picking out & installing new hardware. And finally after carrying it up a flight of stairs...it is complete!

BEHOLD,

{pause}

the Majesty!

{Too much?}

It wasn't easy & believe it or not the worst part was picking out the paint color.

That is the WORST!

Why does it have to be so stinkin' hard?!?

Anyway, if picking out the paint color hadn't been the hardest part, then cleaning up the tin would have been. Check it out...

on the left is dirty filth {minus small spot at the top where I had cleaned it up} and on the right is cleaned & cleaned some more. Then spit & shined.

Here it is all primed & ready for some paint {it was in this stage for quite some time while I wrestled with some paint colors}.

Painted before antiquing.

Antiqued & varnished.

And finally it is at its final resting place in the dining room.
I can't wait to fill up my new pantry!
{& I will, as soon as I scrub some leftover paint residue from the tin. I love scrubbing the tin.}

100

2011-03-09T22:31:00.000-08:00

In celebration of my

I thought I would compose a list of 100 Things I've Learned Since the Birth of Forever In Blue Jeans:

{Click on colored words to visit link to the post I am referring to.}

1. I can remember the last 20 months of my life. Keeping a journal is very wise indeed {especially} for the forgetful.

2. We enjoy going on vacation. We have been on many in our four years of marriage.
3. I find joy in baking & have found I have a knack for it.

4. It is possible to love every day of your life. Even 91 years worth of days.
5. Birthdays should include loved ones and cake.

6. I am more creative than I thought and have a highly toxic amount of patience when it comes to PhotoShop.

7. I love comments. From others. They make me happy. {Thank YOU!}

8. The ocean is therapeutic.

9. I learned how to custom make the little emoticon up in the website bar (Do you see it? It's the tiny pair of jeans next to rogersforeverinbluejeans.blogspot.com).

10. ♬ Music soothes me. ☊ I love me a good song ♪.

11. When most people complain on a long, trying hike...I am surprisingly peppy [much to my fellow hikers dislike].

12. The Bellagio fountains are breathtakingly fabulous!

13. You can forever change the lives of children {young and old} by opening your ♥ and your home.

14. My Dad's favorite cake is Chocolate with Chocolate Frosting and Nuts.

15. Dangerous waves are the best kind of waves...to watch.

16. I am spoiled. I already knew this, of course, but it was reaffirmed.

17. Making pie is as 'easy as pie'. You just have to have a few tricks up your sleeve to pull it off.

18. Cotton Candy is edible fun.

19. The Peterson Family has a crazy absurd amount of stuffed animals.

20. My husband is an oober nerd.

21. I am a kid at ♥. I love visiting the Zoo and I love visiting Disneyland. I also love Adult-Sized jungle gyms and jumpy castles.

22. I am always up for watching a movie.

23. I learned how to make my very own Hello Kitty cupcake wrappers.

24. I have amazing sisters.

25. I have amazing brothers.

26. I learned how to make a homemade piñata.

27. Dogs are ~~man's~~ My Best Friends.

28. Growing up has its upsides & downsides.
29. I am obsessed with the movie Mulan.

30. My father-in-law does not like heights.

31. Beninem has got talent. ♪ ♫ Serious talent.

32. Austin, Texas has the most mouthwatering deliciously wonderful food on the planet Earth.

33. I am a chicken. Thunder storms scare me. ☂ What the heck am I going to do when there are tornado warnings!?!

34. Jordan says funny things like "Ooff"

and "Like a minx"

when he is excited about something.

35. Texas is dreamy and if people were smart they would all live there.
36. I learned how to pose like a model and make it on the Disneyland website.

37. I am infinitely indebted to my parents & I love them deeply.

38. If I had it my way, I would eat pancakes several times per week.

39. Bad days are inevitable, but nothing nephews & nieces can't fix ㋡.

40. Outer Space ☄leaves me with a feeling of Awe.

41. If I had to pick somewhere to live, I think I would pick San Antonio, Texas. San Antonio = Heavenly.

42. I miss LOST.

43. Silly string is a cheap way to find amusement. However, it is short lived.

44. Making human pyramids is piles of fun.
45. I love the feeling I get when I am reminded of the freedoms my loved ones and I enjoy every day. We can all be a little more patriotic. {Except you, Grandma, you were the perfect amount of patriotic.}

46. I love tradition! Be it Easter, Christmas, or Halloween.
47. T-REX's have short arms and large heads. So does my bro-in-law.

48. Hot Tubs on the porch are the BOMB!

49. The Coke at Disneyland must be lovingly made by all the Disney characters.

50. I miss Krispy Kreme and free milk deliveries.

51. I am capable of moving across the country...and survive.
52. I don't necessarily have to have talent, just be determined.
53. Flying First Class means you will be very well taken care of.

54. The Simpson's will forever be my favorite television show. It is extra special when I watch it with my easily amused/giggly husband.

55. Sunday dinner is best when served in the backyard on a freshly laid green lawn.
56. My husband worked his booty off to work through college & get outstanding grades & I learned that he really is a hard worker.
57. It is next to impossible to 'herd cats', but I know a very special couple that do it every day.

58. Tim & Holly make super adorable babies {a lot of them too, I might add} & I would appreciate it if they would hand one over.

59. Meeting lots of family for a late night run for ice cream is really fun.
60. R2D2 is afraid of haunted houses.

61. We like sushi!!!

62. Re-creating Grandma & Grandpa Perkins Fish Fry's is always a good idea.

63. Sometimes you learn to love the thing you hate the most.

64. I have worn many beautiful dresses & several not so beautiful dresses.

65. German Chocolate Cake is my favorite kind of cake. Especially when eaten with a tall glass of milk.
66. Everything is BIGGER in Texas.

67. Antique shopping in Oklahoma is way more fun than Arizona. ① Things are cheaper. ② I actually have a little extra spending $...Oklahoma is missing my mom though.

68. I learned how to customize my font for post titles & the date on my blog. Seriously, an accomplishment.
69. I learned a lot about my family & friends who blog. I appreciate them putting in the effort to keep us all connected.
70. I can decorate a puppy dog cake.
71. Hail storms are destructive, but fun to watch.
72. Marriage means constantly learning.
73. I look like Jim Carrey. Well, Jim Carrey as Dick Harper.
74. You are never too old to play in the sand.
75. True loss.
76. Some trees are as big as a house.

77. Tortilla chips can be made thinner than anything I've ever had in Arizona. Genius...and delish!

78. Parks don't always have playground equipment & the kind of grass you can roll around in.

79. Use caution when there are too many people on one dinky little dock.

80. I like to drive golf carts.

81. Spend an evening in the dark, on a bridge, with a hoard of people, & see absolutely nothing. Not a single bat.
82. Painting parties are overrated.
83. Girls Nights Out are necessary if I ever want to see another chick flick.
84. Wicked is as good as everyone says it is.
85. Record amounts of ☃snow ❄can keep an entire state shut down for 48 hours.

86. I am pretty much as blessed as someone can be.
87. I have a very creative family when it comes to Halloween costumes. What happened to me? I think every party needs a pooper?
88. If you are ever within 100 miles of a Pinkberry, GO!

89. It is possible for me to enjoy a basketball game.

90. St. George sunsets are gorgeous.

91. In bad storms, it takes 16.5 hours to drive from Mesa to Denver.

92. A countless amount of hours can be spent on the computer. Time just gets away from you. 5 p.m. rolls around & you realize you never ate breakfast or lunch.
93. Turning 25 makes you feel old.
94. Jordan makes a really cute cow.

95. Lucy is very artistic.

96. Halloween doughnuts are the tastiest treat.

97. Old record players make an amazing sound.

98. Flying ✈ for free really is as terrific as it sounds.

99. Santa Claus ditched his sleigh & got a helicopter.
100. Blogging is a healthy outlet & a way for me to express myself.
THE END
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
I celebrated my blogging accomplishments by making a
Coconut Cream Pie

& eating {most} of it.
Thanks for joining me on this trip down Memory Lane & I sincerely hope you stay for the next
one hundred
posts.

A Work In Progress

2011-03-03T15:44:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, I planned a date with my Aunt Kathy & Cousin Lindsay.

A Saturday full of antique shopping. It was a good day & I managed to find a truck load full of treasures.

We needed a desk & that was my first priority. In the back of my mind I wanted to find a large cupboard to serve as a 'pantry.' I had my heart set on what is called a 'pie safe' or 'jelly cupboard.' They sell for $800 - $1,000 on eBay & I am not forking out that kind of dough so when I saw this

in one store for $175, I thought "Are you outta your mind? SOLD!!!"

Thank heavens I only thought this & didn't say it out loud because my luck got even better & the lady that managed the store said she'd give it to me for 90 Bucks!

"SOLD!!!" [Out loud this time.]

Now, before you think I'm outta my mind, I know it needs some tender loving care, & that is why this post is called "A Work In Progress." I've been painstakingly restoring it, so it may be beautiful & when it is finally finished, I will for sure be blogging about it.

I did find a desk. This is the bottom

& this is the top [Jordan let a co-worker borrow his drill, so we are waiting to put them together.]

It will be fabulous!

Other great finds of the day included:

A small table - - eventually will go in a bathroom, serving as my nightstand for the time being.

A chair - - I love everything 'Rooster.'

& some wall art - - I loved the water color swan the moment I saw it & had to have it.

I decided I was going to start a collection of 'Ship' pictures & put them above my couch. The memory I have [besides Vanilla Wafers] of my Grandma & Grandpa Shill is looking at their collection of 'ship' pictures. I loved it then & I will love it now.

I ♥ antique shopping in Oklahoma.

Reasonable prices & always some great finds.

Now, I've got to go work on my Pie Safe / Pantry Cabinet so I can it to you all!

Made It

2011-02-22T12:08:00.000-08:00

On Friday, February 11, I said goodbye to

Mom

& Dad

& said HELLO to Tulsa!

I came just in time for some perfectly marvelous weather & all of our precious belongings got there just hours before I did!

I've been busy unpacking & setting up shop, but things are getting pretty near complete. For now, anyway. I have visions. Things that need painted, pictures that need to be hung, & furniture that needs purchased, but I have some anxious family waiting to see the new headquarters.

So, as requested, I happily present our new Home Sweet Home!

Take the first left & you enter the 2nd Bed & Bath. Right now, the 2nd Bedroom is a HUGE mess, so naturally, it is not pictured.

The 2nd Bathroom

Back to the Main Entry & take your first right...you enter the kitchen.

Walk through kitchen & turn around.

Dining Room

Family Room

Breakfast nook in family room.

Master Bedroom.

Master Bathroom when you first enter...

go left for a steaming hot, relaxing bath in the garden tub...

or go right for a shower.

Located below us is our very first garage. Jordan is very excited about this feature. Finally a place for the loves of his life.

♥ ♥ ♥ Tacoma & Quad ♥ ♥ ♥

There you have it folks!

Our new home!

We are enjoying it here in Oklahoma. I cannot even begin to tell you how friendly everyone is here. On Sunday, we attended our new ward & after church the Bishop & 2nd Counselor spent an entire hour just chatting with us & allowing us to get to know each other. We are having a great time getting to know the area & the weather has been absolutely heavenly since I got here.

Thank you to all those who have been thinking about us & have helped us along the way!

We love & miss our family back in Arizona.

Irreplaceable

2011-02-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

My Grandma was One of A Kind.

My Dad said it best,

"At funerals the person is usually talked up & sometimes you are left wondering who it was the speaker is speaking of, but not Ruth. She really was that great."

It was a beautiful funeral.

Her children did a fantastic job.

Grandma looked as peaceful as I've ever seen someone look.

It was so wonderful to see all of her wonderful posterity.

My family.

My Uncle Gary & Aunt Kathy's family [small piece of a large family].

Aunt Diane & Uncle Bill's family.

Uncle Norman & Aunt Donna's family.

The Shill's.

Brothers & Cousins - - the Pallbearers.

Grandma's final resting place is next to her sweetheart and surrounded by lots of family who have gone on before her.

Like her son. Uncle Norman's headstone newly arrived.

{His beautiful Grand-daughters.}

Some of Grandma's Great-Grandchildren excited to get one of the pretty purple roses

that were part of the floral spray [made by Ellen]

that laid on top of the casket.

Her greatest legacy is the righteous & bountiful posterity she has left behind.

Thank you, Grandma for your Christlike example. We will think of you often.

Love you & missing you already.

"The inner half of every cloud is bright and shining. I therefore turn my clouds about and always wear them inside out to show the lining."