My Happy Monday

I'm not sure what happened to my "Six-Week Simplification Plan," because my days and weekends are as busy as ever.  Good busy, of course.  This last weekend included soccer games, a piano recital, a 9-hour dance competition, some spring cleaning, a birthday lunch with some great neighbors and some much needed Sunday family/friend time.  Oh, and I learned how to play pickle ball.  Isn't that just fun to say? Pickle ball, pickle ball, pickle ball.  Try saying that 10x without laughing. Hehe. 

But, my Monday happened to be extra happy because, 1) the weather rocked, 2) I went on an outdoor run with my running buddy (Kim Bench), and didn't even get cold, 3) I showered, but didn't do my hair OR put make-up on all day (love those days), and 4) I got to go to lunch with this handsome boy:

Okay, calling it lunch is probably a stretch.  More like us sitting next to each other while he inhaled a footlong sub and 32 oz. Dr. Pepper in about 3 minutes flat.  That's a teenage boy for you!  But, oh how I love this kid.  This is my oldest son, Parker.  This boy suddenly turned into a man over the last year... where, oh where did my little guy go?  

Parker is 16 years old and is a sophomore at Alta High School.  He recently started driving and dating, which means he recently started getting parking tickets, pushing curfew limits, constantly asking for gas money, choosing friends over family on weekends and being gone all the time.  (Can I get an amen?)  But he really is a great kid, even for a teenager.  He's a straight A student, plays football and tennis, recently earned his Eagle Scout Award, is an awesome snowboarder, loves to wakeboard, has a tender heart and [I think] is pretty dang cute.  I could go on an on about all the things that make Parker great, but to spare you from having to read a novel, I will tell the story through pics.

Look at that adorable drooley face

Age 7

Biking w Steve - Moab 2009ish

Fishing Strawberry with Poppy

Yes, that's him upside down

Catching air in Lake Powell

Alta Tennis 

Love this young man so much!

On another subject, "OPERATION DE-CLUTTER" is in full force.  The pic below is a sneak peak.  Oh, btw, this is where the 'not judging' part comes in.  As you will soon see, there are many areas of my house that have become - GASP! - extremely messy and cluttered.  This fact actually drives me insane and I am currently seeking professional help (Jennifer, where are you??).  In the meantime, I am tackling one area at a time and de-cluttering and organizing.  Who wants to join me in this quest?  (I mean, not join my quest, but start your own quest for organization).  My goal is to be clean and clutter-free by the end of May.  (Yes, it's that bad.)  Here is my list...

*All closets (the jersey-wrap dress from 2006 really needs to go)

*All clothes drawers

*Under sinks

*Kid Play Room

*Office (yikes!)

*Craft Room (double yikes!  And, truth be told, I actually call this my junk room...)

*Bill & Paper Filing (shoot me now!)

My 2 little girls share this small closet

(and yes, I have a slight clothes shopping problem)

The Before

The After

What's your list???  Go and make it RIGHT NOW and let's check off our lists together!  There is no better feeling than getting rid of the junk in your life that is weighing you down (getting rid of 'emotional junk' is a subject for another post).  We can do this!

Aly    

  

 

Grandma Edie

Radiation is beginning to take a bit of a toll.  The area treated constantly feels warm and has what the doctor described as something like a sun rash.  Just a little red and bumpy... nothing too major.  And the area is also very sore when stretched or touched at all.  But I'm tough, so you won't hear me complain... no sirree!  On the plus side, I think this gives me a reason to ditch the bra for a while ;)  The girls are coming out, folks!!!  Hahaha.

Wedensday, I got to go to lunch with an extra special friend, Miss Lori McDougal.  Lori lives across the street from me and was the very first friend I made in this neighborhood.  Lori and her family have been much more than just friends... more like an extension of family.  My girls, in particular, love Lori.  No, utter and complete ADORATION would be a better description.  They also call her 'Grandma Edie', 'Best Grown Up Friend', or 'Other Mother'.  She, in return, is extremely good to them.  She will do homework or read with them, take them to lunch, dinner or for treats, enlist their help in whatever project she has going on or just be there to support them in their many activities.  Ya know, like a super fun grandma.  We are all lucky to have her.

She always looks cute and put together!

My girls gave this necklace to Lori for her 50th.

(One of my girls began the name Gma Edie and she's stickin' with it!) 

I have so appreciated Lori's love, support and friendship over the years.  We've celebrated numerous birthdays, one mission call (her son, Jaron, is serving in the Phillipines), a wedding (her oldest daughter Holli), gone on many a walk to Einsteins (while one of us listens to the other vent), been visiting teaching partners for more years than not, been on trips as families, had many Sunday family dinners together and so on and so forth.  Thank you, Lori, for all that you have meant to our entire family.  We all love you dearly!  Here's a few more pics...

Holli and her "flower girls" - July 2011

Lori and Aubrey - Halloween 2005?

Lori held Macy just hours after she was born 

Oct. 15, 2004

Macy thinks Lori is her best friend.  She often goes

over there to see if Lori can "play".  (2007?)

Always there to support - 2009?

Bailey is like the big brother that Parker never had - 2011

We went to one of our favorite local restaurants, Porcupine Grill.  We love this place (and not only because the owners live in our neighborhood).  If you haven't been here, you MUST go and soon! Located at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Porcupine is a full service restaurant that offers everything from burgers to Mexican fare to seafood (their seared Ahi Tuna salad is to die for!), to wood-fired pizzas.  Their prices are moderate, ranging from about $8-15.  Lori and I split a ginormous plate of chicken nachos.  Nachos, a Diet Coke and a 3-hour convo with one of my besties made for a perfect afternoon!  

Awesome mountainous location

Their nachos look kinda like this... only bigger!

I've got some other projects up my sleeve... namely a little something I like to call "OPERATION DE-CLUTTER".  Stay tuned.  (Betcha can't wait, huh?)

Aly

Lunch & Shopping

Back to another fun week.  How many people can say they get to do radiation and lunch everyday of the week?  Boy, do I feel special!

Monday I had a quick lunch date with this cute girl:

This is my oldest daughter, Summer.  Summer is 14 years old and almost as tall as me!  She is in 8th grade and is a straight A, honor-roll student.  Summer excels in math, can run a 10k or Ragnar in lightning speed, plays the piano, is currently obsessed with One Direction, is an awesome babysitter and is our soccer star (top goal-scorer on her team, babyyy!).  Summer is also going out for the new high school mountain biking team, much to her father's delight.  She is my sports girl, for sure! Things I love about Summer:  she's thoughtful, a great friend to others, witty, smart, sporty, beautiful (wish I had her eyelashes!) and loves to laugh and have fun.  A few things that drive me batty Summer could work on: messiness, the urge to hold onto every trinket, toy or craft ever acquired, procrastination (I have to take some credit for that one) and maybe being a little kinder to her little sisters.  Oh, and not rolling her eyes at me every time I ask her to do a job.  Not too much to ask, right?  I love this girl, though!!!

Beautiful smile!

Piano Recital

She rocks at snowboarding.

She's been with this team for probably 5 years now.

I checked Summer out of school and we grabbed a quick sandwich at Subway.  Did you know that Subway was started by a 17-year old as a way to earn college tuition?  Or that Subway serves 2,800 subs/salads every minute in the U.S?  Americans sure do love their Subway!  I'm a toasted turkey on wheat kind of gal.  What's your favorite Subway sandwich???

My lunch on Tuesday consisted of not one, but two dates:

Date #1

Date #2

Yup!  I went shopping!  Hey, therapy comes in many different forms, people!  I didn't have a lunch date, so I took advantage of the time and did a wee bit of damage at these places.  For a bargain shopper like me, these are two of my favorites for sure.  Spring weather should be arriving any day now... any time... I'm waiting for it... I just know it wants to come... pleeeeease come!  When it finally DOES appear, I want to be ready.  On my list were colored skinny jeans (check), some new sunglasses at TJ's (check) and maybe some church clothes (work-in-progress).  Anyone who knows me knows I don't do anything quickly, so I'm gonna need some more shopping time.  A LOT MORE TIME.  Hehe.

Aly

Weekend Update

Great news!  I'm about halfway done with treatment and I'm feeling good, great actually.  This has been a journey, for sure, and my lunch dates have been beyond therapeutic.  Also, the kind words, thoughts, prayers and simple little acts of kindness from others has been a pleasant, unexpected surprise.  I truly never expected so much compassion!  I can't tell you how much each text, note, phone call, etc. mean to me.  Thank you, thank you, thank you! 

FRIDAY:

On Friday I got to go to lunch with a great friend of mine, Diane Linford.  I had the opportunity to get to know Diane better many years ago as we served in Young Women's together.  It's so true what they say... as you serve in callings with others, you truly learn to love and appreciate them.  I learned then, that this gal knows the true definition of service.  She was always the first one to volunteer to do whatever needed to be done (and in YW there is always something to be done!).  She never once complained, judged, spoke badly about anyone or shirked her responsibilities.  She just served!  She is currently our Relief Society President and I can't think of a better woman for the job!  She truly loves and cares about each one of the sisters in our ward.  In fact, she reached out to me immediately to see what she could do.  So, what did I say?  You guessed it, "Come to lunch with me."  Her reply... "How soon can we go?"  What a great friend! 

One more thing I have to mention about Diane is that this woman is a walking library!  She reads more books than anyone I've ever met and can give you a thorough review of any book you are considering (you can also check books out of the Linford Library).  Her license plate even says, 'BOOKS'.  Enough said, right?   Thank you, Diane, for being such a great friend, leader and example over the years.  You are 'da bomb diggity!

Diane suggested CPK (California Pizza Kitchen) and I was all, "Oh ya baby!"  We shared the California Club Pizza.  Look at that beauty.  Have you ever seen lettuce on a pizza before?  Me neither.  It was California-good! 

California Club Pizza

SATURDAY:

Saturday I got to watch Summer play a soccer game. In the rain.  Unfortunately, her team lost this time, but it's always fun to watch her play (even better when she scores).  We left, cold and wet, but not before both Steve and I stepped in the same pile of dog poop!  Good times. We got a good laugh out of it, though.  Still kinda makes me giggle.  Hey, it happens, right?  Hehehe.  

I wish!

On Saturday night we doubled with a couple-friend of ours, Glen and Janna Hubert.  Over the last couple of years, Glen and Janna have become our dear, close friends.  We have been to Costa Rica as couples and families, to Vegas, to Oceanside.  I'd go just about anywhere with these guys... they are so fun and easy to be around.  Plus, Glen carries a gun (and sometimes knives) wherever he goes, so I always feel extra safe ;)  And Janna and I are 'shopping compatible', so we can have a good time wherever we go.  We went to dinner and saw the new Tom Cruise movie, Oblivion - which I thought was awesome, btw - and then to U-Swirl for my favorite frozen yogurt treat.  Perfect date-night if you ask me.

Loved this movie!

Loved the company!

Loved this treat!

(Who recognizes these canvas prints?) 

SUNDAY:

Sunday was a miracle day.  All my kids played together and got along... all. day. long.  Hallelujah!  The day started with Macy making French toast (she loves to make breakfast for everyone.  How cute is she?).  Church followed (with some awesome missionary-mom speakers) and then dinner and family movie night where everyone snuggled on the couch in the basement.  Gotta enjoy these kind of days.  I'm definitely re-charged and ready for another week!  How was YOUR weekend???

Double The Fun

Today I was tired.  Today I was dragging.  Today my treadmill workout was harder than usual.  Today I was grumpy at having to drive the same route, get stuck at the same stupid 5-minute lights and feel the pressure of being somewhere at the same time, at the same place every day.  But then... I went to lunch with 2 super awesome and classy ladies and literally my mood improved immediately.  For real.  Amazing what a 2-hour gabbing session, a plate of good food and endless Diet Coke can do for one's spirits.  And THAT'S exactly why this crazy lunch idea is without a doubt saving my sanity!

Couple of hot mamas right there!

This is Jodi Russell (on your right) and Tammy Ogden (left).  These ladies are my dance-carpool-mom-friends, and I couldn't - probably wouldn't - do dance without them.  To be honest, I didn't know these gals too well before today, but now I feel like we are 'Sisters in Zion', on the path to BFF's for sure.  These ladies were so much fun and interesting to talk to.  Our conversation was much like a $100,000 pyramid show, with topics ranging all over the board ('things that make you crazy', 'things that start with the letter T', 'things that teenagers say' - remember that show?).  We talked and laughed about everything from the pros and cons of living in Utah (we agreed there are more pros, which is why we are still here, because it sure ain't the snow in April that's keeping us here!), kids on missions (Jodi has a son serving in Sacramento), children growing up and having to make big life decisions, accidentally texting the wrong people (you've all done it, haven't you?), college vs. beauty school (Tammy does hair and from what I hear she's amazing... my roots and grays could use her expertise) and a bunch of other random subjects.  But the common, underlying theme I noticed with both of these ladies is that they are tender-hearted moms - who want and give nothing but the best for their kids (did I mention they each have 5?!), and also tender-hearted friends - who would willingly and graciously do anything to help a friend in need.  Such sweet women... both of them!  I hope we can do another lunch soon and pick up where we left off.  We didn't even begin on the topic of 'things that sag after age 40'!

We went to a gem of a restaurant/bakery that I have just recently been introduced to, called Food For Thought, located in the historic part of Draper (corner of Fort Street and 12600 South).  This place is obviously a converted old house, with charming original hardwood floors and a quaint old-fashioned feel.  The food is good... really good.  We all ordered the same thing - a Caprese sandwich with a Carmelized Pear and Gorgonzola salad.  I'm pretty sure I licked my plate it was so tasty!  And, again, I had to turn the other cheek when walking past their glorious bakery section... because my willpower will say no, but my eyes will say, "Oh ya. Bring it!" Haha.

Aly

Three Guesses

How are my blog friends doing (all three of you)?  I'm hoping that you find my updates interesting and not too monotonous, because they sure are fun to write (ya know, it wouldn't kill you to comment now and again... I'm learning that bloggers really appreciate feedback).  To me, every day and lunch date is absolutely fascinating!  It is so awesome for me to learn more about the wonderful people that I get to call friends. Sometimes, I even forget the reason behind it all (aka: boring and mundane daily radiation treatment), because I just look so forward to each new lunch date.   I'm gonna double up on my lunch date post today, because, well, I'm just plain gettin' behind.  Thanks.  I knew you wouldn't mind...

1.  Guess Who Came To Lunch on Tuesday?
Let me start with some hints about who came to lunch on Tuesday (no peeking).  She is young, vibrant and full of energy - even while pregnant!  She works out faithfully and will impart her fitness wisdom to anyone willing to sweat alongside her.  She loves to smile and have fun and she throws the best [and most unconventional] parties (luaus, fight-night, gender-reveal, General Conference pit stop parties to name a few).  Oh, and she is 'model' beautiful... seriously.  Like, she really models for magazines and stuff.  Yes, I am talking about Miss Aja Kayser.  Aja moved into our ward about a year ago and is a breath of fresh air!  She is so much fun to be around and is just so accepting of anyone and everyone.  It's obvious that this girl enjoys livin' life and her zest for it is contagious.  She once almost had me convinced to go hiking and camping at the Grand Canyon.  And I hate tent camping.  But I love this girl!  (And she makes the cutest babies... another baby girl to come in about 9 weeks... woohoo!)

Aja and 'Kika'

Isn't she precious? And very polite, too!

Aja is always up for an adventure so we picked a new Thai place in Draper called Thai Siam.  I've been wanting to try this place and am glad I did.  It was Thai-licious. Hehe.  Such a unique mix of flavors and fresh food.  We ordered some uber-fresh spring roll thingy which came with 3 different dipping sauces.  Oh my, was it good.  Especially the peanut sauce. And the sweet soy sauce.  And the spicy chile sauce.  Just go try it why don't you?

2.  Guess Who Came To Lunch on Wednesday?
On Wednesday I got to have lunch with a longtime friend from my neighborhood, Aleis Merrill.  Aleis and I have known each other for probably close to 10 years, and I am totally confident in saying that she is one of THE sweetest people you will ever meet (her 3 darling girls are a close second!)  Aleis and I have a lot in common and I'm sure we could've stayed and gabbed for another 3 hours!  Aleis has been through some serious life challenges (probably the biggest being her oldest daughter's brain cancer ordeal - thankfully she is cancer-free today), but you will never see her hang her head in defeat.  No sirree!  This gal is a fighter!  She will fight for what's right any day of the week and twice on Tuesday!  I love that about her.  She is currently the Primary President in our ward and I can't thank her enough for all she does for the kids (2 of which are mine) in our ward.  She loves them to pieces and it shows.  Thank you, Aleis, for being my dear friend and supporting me over all these years.  Don't I just have the best neighborhood???

Don't let her petite frame fool you. 

This is a tough mama!

We went to an ever-faithful ladies lunch joint, Kneaders Bakery.  That place never gets old.  A soup/sandwich combo is what I ordered, but I should have just gone straight for the desserts.  Oh, Nellie!  If you're in the mood for some sweet baked goods, come to this place!  Oh, and if you haven't tried their all-you-can-eat french toast for breakfast, you're just plain stupid missing out.  You will NOT regret it (until you DO regret it after eating so much!)  But invite me first.  Because this chica loves to eat all she can eat!

3.  Guess What I Did Tonight?
Finally, I just have to share a picture of what we did tonight with my Young Women's Mia Maid group:

Aren't these the cutest little crafts you ever did see?  They were easy to make and all the girls finished them in about an hour.  I'm pretty proud of myself I must say. Another fab day.  And now I'm pooped.  Night, night!

Aly

Sad Day

Wow!  My heart is sad today thinking of the events that happened at the Boston Marathon.  

It was during my lunch date that my friend and I learned of the bombings.  As fellow runners, we both just sat in disbelief for a moment, questioning how anyone could do such an evil thing.  What a tragedy for the runners and spectators alike - especially those badly injured or worse, killed.  It's hard to even comprehend.  And sad, too, for the running world as a whole.  How can you not think of this every time you cross another finish line?  Just wow!  Many prayers to all those involved!

It seems almost disrespectful in some way to even talk about anything else, but there is still much positive to focus on... and that is exactly what I am choosing to do these days!  So, I still want to spotlight my beautiful friend, Michelle Relyea.  Michelle and I have become better friends recently through our daughters, who started dancing in the same dance company together.  What fun it was getting to know her better!

I need to start bringing a tripod with me.  

The worker pics just aren't cutting it.

Dancing Queens:  Seurette (Michelle's 2nd daughter), Aubrey and Jentri

Upon first meeting Michelle, you might be intimidated by her supermodel looks (I know I was!) - she is tall, blonde, skinny and not a wrinkle to be found!  But this beauty is a true and genuine sweetheart!  I loved hearing about her growing up in AZ, how she met her cute hubby, her love of running (4 full marathons in one year, people! Who does that?), the way she lets each of her four daughters discover and nurture their own unique talents, and how warm weather and sunshine make her happy.   Well-rounded, organized, thoughtful, down-to-earth, driven, classy, positive and just plain nice are words I would use to describe Michelle (I'm also envisioning neatly folded laundry piles, vacuum lines and the scent of fresh-baked cookies permeating throughout her house.  Heaven on earth if you ask me!)  Just an all-around amazing lady and friend!  So, thank you, Michelle, for taking the time to have lunch with me and allowing me to dive in deeper to get to know you.  I loved every minute!

Paradise Bakery in Sandy (and conveniently close to Nordstrom Rack ;) 

Crumbly Blue Cheese Salad

Fire-Roasted Tomato Soup

We went to another one of my fav's - Paradise Bakery.  It's hard for me to stray from the Crumbly Blue Cheese Salad and Tomato Soup Combo, so I didn't!  It always hits the spot!  I was a little disappointed that they have moved over to Pepsi products, but I suppose a water here and there won't kill me.  It's just the lack of Diet Coke that will! Haha.

Aly