Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

When I went to Disneyland, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was in the category of "olde but goodie".  I haven't been for years so I don't know if it's still there.  I had no idea what to expect the first time I went as a kid, but I quickly found a thrill in the sharp twists and turns in the dark - having no clue where the car was turning next.

For the last 6 months I've found that my life has suddenly taken a "wild ride" of it's own.  Listening now to my daughter's yelps and baby growls while on her back, she unleashes her fury on a (clean) wet rag I just used to mop up her face after eating sweet potatoes (much like a puppy with a new chew toy) and I find myself looking back on some of the twisted parts of becoming new parents . . .

My daughter was born with the innate ability to call out to college frat boys.  She'll have no problem getting into UCSB with this one talent alone.  I've already ordered her a pink shirt that says "I'm not allowed to date.  Ever."  Hopefully she'll see the wisdom in wearing it often.

 

I'm not sure how this one even happened, but I honestly thought only little boys could aim and fire when you're changing their diaper.  Needless to say it sprayed everyone in the room, the rug and the guest bed.  I might have screamed out a little bit.

 

HOW many diapers can one little bity baby dirty?  My next question was, how young can you start potty training???

I've dabbled in archery, range shooting and the like, but nothing prepared me for moving target practice.  And watch out, just because you sit directly behind her doesn't mean you aren't part of her canvas.

The Cool Parts of Moab

There are three places you can go in the height of Summer heat while in Moab. The first choice is always the River (for me). For some reason, being on the water always feels 20 degrees cooler and if that's not enough you can always take a dip.

The second place are the natural pools that form within the creek nearby and this year being an extremely high-water year, the pools are fantastic and refreshing.

The third and probably lesser visited location can be seen by everyone, for miles - The LaSal Mountains. I haven't been up there in probably 1.5 years and last Saturday I wanted to hike, but I didn't want the heat.

You can see the LaSals here, on the right, in the background. This photo makes it look far, but the foothills of the mountains are only 9 miles away (from our house).

Here's the opposite view - From the LaSals looking down at moab. I love the look of that razorback rock.

I was in HEAVEN. I forgot how gorgeous the wildflowers would be. The temperature was perfect and, if your pregnant, this is where you want to be - everything smelled so fresh and fragrant.

I've got some crazy love-addiction with water so when we got to Squaw Spring I had to stop and play in it - I could've stayed in this spot all day!

Mike pointed this cool scene out. On the next ridge it looked like Bob Ross had painted some "happy trees". They looked too perfect to be real - kinda velvety. This pic doesn't do it justice. Oh well, I tried.

One of my favorite parts of the hike was happening upon these cool critters. Can you see it?

It amazes me how animals know how to camouflage.

Check out these beauties

After all the hiking fun we went down to Ken's Lake and kayaked around (I practiced my rolls). Then checked out Faux Falls - which is REALLY roarin' right now.
The experiences of the day definitely got me more motivated to go out even when it is 102 degrees (and 92 degrees at 9pm -whew.)

In the Zombie Zone

The advice comes from out of no where.
Co-workers I barely see on a usual basis feel the need to
pull me in their offices and pass-on the wisdom of their experience.
I don't mind it. It's fun to sit for a few minutes to gab, wonder and plan.

Then conversation always turns to symptoms and the list is endless -
Before I leave they usually say
"But no matter what, enjoy your whole pregnancy."
Believe me I'm trying . . .
but my most consuming symptom totally wipes me out . . .

I am ALWAYS exhausted . . .

Exhausted to the point that I have lost motivation to do anything . . .
except sleep.

I'm so demotivated that, I, the Recycling Queen have been caught throwing away my glass, plastics and newspaper. I'll never live it down.

But how can I focus on the environment when all I dream about all day long
are fluffy blankets, plush pillows and a California King mattress all to myself???

My husband thinks I'm trying to get out of . . .
everything (dishes, laundry, cleaning)

I'm sure I'll enjoy my pregnancy - as soon as I wake up.
ZZzzzzzzzzz . . .
(9 Weeks)

Test Drive Down the Colorado

**(To answer everyone's questions - no we're not moving, the last post was just a means to an end)



It's Time to SUIT UP!

Mike bought a new kayak so of course after work we had to test it out.
My least favorite part of playing on the river before it really warms up is putting on the Moonsuit (it's really called a dry suit, but I totally feel like an astronaut wearing them).

There are tight rubber gaskets around the neck, wrists, and ankles making it feel a lot like going through the birth canal all over again.

This pic makes me laugh! I usually end up looking like this - hair everywhere. I've never seen what this looks like before. It looks like Mike is kissing a short balding man with a beard.

Nothing like a size small kayak skirt to make you feel extra pregnant.

SEE! Astronauts!

The other part that I'm no good at is putting the skirt around the kayak lid. After all this - I'm usually sweating and wish I was just wearing a bathing suit, whew.
But it's time to get into da wata!




If Willy Wonka really lived I think his chocolate river would look just like this. Mmm, tastey.













Good Times.
Another great ending to a day in Moab.

The Suspense is Finally Over - Decision Made

So we've talked (& talked & talked) about where to move if we didn't get approved for the HRSA loan repayment through the government . . . (which we didn't).
And we both had many different ideas . . .

We're not going to . . .

We're not going to . . .

We're not going to . . .

What about . . .

Okay enough suspense -

Yes. It's true.

Twas the month of December and all through the town,
Not a cold heart was stirring not even a frown!
Toy trains and plump snowmen were all blown up with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtain and threw up the latch.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a rumpled red sleigh, and a very dazed reindeer.
With a squint of my eyes and a calculation quick,
I knew in a moment someone's kidnapped St Nick!

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name! Poor Dasher! Poor Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!" As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack. His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow. The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly! He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself! A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose! He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Purple People Eaters

Halloween. My favorite time of year. Never have the colors orange, black, green and purple ever looked so good together. (Or tasted so good)

I’ve tried to figure out this ghoulish obsession. I think it is linked with the part of me that LOVES to be scared in the movie theater, but not in real life (which my husband STILL has not figured out and continues to sneak up behind me or lurk around dark corners – I might actually hurt him one day if he’s not careful).

I have a large box full of halloweenie things. I haven’t opened it since we’ve been married (2.5 years now) because we were always moving every 3-6 months. On October 1^st, this year, much to my husbands dismay, I pulled out the Halloween Pandora’s BOX!!

How I missed my friends!!

Home-made décor is always really fun.

These Jar-O-Lanterns were made from jarred artichoke heart containers. After washing I just poured some orange paint inside and rolled the jar around so the whole inside was coated and then let it dry for a day or two. Then I painted the black faces on the outside and used “rusted” wire to make the handle. Looking back, it would probably be better to paint the black faces first on the INSIDE (if you’re that good – I’m not, so I cheated) and then let that dry for several hours and THEN roll the orange paint around inside. I use the battery charged tea lights.

I kinda liked the idea of decorating my pumpkins differently

this year by covering them with black lace.

Use the leftover lace to make a creative centerpiece!

Okay, I honestly don’t remember exactly how I made this phantom face, but it’s one of my favorites. The head is a Styrofoam piece you can get at any salon supply store. Then I believe I took paper towels and dyed them with coffee or tea (I used coffee because I LOVE the smell. I got to smell it for hours since it was soaked into my skin after this project.) and let them dry. Here’s the part I vaguely remember – I think I made a thick, ever-so-slightly liquid sugar paste (just add a bit of water) and immersed the paper towels in there before molding it onto the face, covering it completely. Let the head dry out and it is as hard as paper mache. The hood-shroud is cheesecloth dyed in coffee also.

This too-cute-to-be-scary little guy was bought at a craft store

in the natural-wood craft section and then I just painted him.

I never get to do everything I plan, but that leaves more for the next year!

Oh, by the way, if you’re wondering about the layers of spotting on the windows that is all a part of the Haunted House effect, as are the spider-webs, dead flies in the window sils, and a light dusting of – well dust. I work on the effect all year :)