Cache Valley Getaway

Day One - Logan River Golf Course
Rain, rain, go away. Nope... This is us in our cart looking happy. We spent our time bonding and laughing at the ladies next to us. Despite the weather and taking a day off work to just sit around in the rain, it was fun. I learned a couple of things... you are never to old to enjoy the company of a good friend in less than optimal situations and you are never too old to enjoy a little Mary Jane. I will leave it at that!

Day Two - Logan Golf and Country Club
It was a little cool this morning, but the sun was shining and the sky was clear. We were so fortunate to be paired up with a couple of women from our own association and they were fun to play with. I have been lucky so far and have not suffered through a tournament golfing with a couple of bitchy blue-hairs! It was a 2 person scramble and Holly and I ham and egged it. We ended up shooting an 87, so with our handicap we took second place - net.

Me and Holly

Ev and Tammie

Bits & Pieces

• It feels like fall.
  

• Today was the first day of the Cache Valley Getaway. This is a 2 day golf tournament for ladies... we were rained out. Seriously? It hasn't really rained during the day for almost 2 months.

• It's so nice to have friends that you can spend 2 hours with in a cart in the golf course parking lot, hoping to hell the rain/hail will stop so you can play golf. Giggle, giggle...

• Jill got a job today. She will be working part time at Hastings Bookstore. This was also her first day of college. She was bored!

• Got to drive a Hummer. I want one. Leather seats that warmed my butt after a long day in the cold. Sweet.
  

• My kids love having their grandma here to watch them while I work. Grandma is so "nice".

Lola's Room

I would love to have more time to do crafts because I love doing them. Thankfully someone will give me a reason to make the time and get 'r done!
This is Lola, my new niece... isn't she just adorable?

With the help of my dear friend, Melissa, I did a couple of things for Lola's room.

Kirkle was right...

My boss mapped out a really beautiful and fun 4-wheeler ride. Justin and I finally got together with Matt and Kristy and went up to Franklin Basin to check it out. As far as I know, this was a first for Matt and Kristy and let me tell you, it was quite the adventure!

From one extreme to the other... The trails were awesome, flat and smooth to steep and rocky. The weather was also awesome, sunny and warm to wet and cold. We were hailed on hard just off the summit! We had a great time and it was fun to share our new-found hobby.

Nite Owl, Rorschach & Ozymandias

Words... I cannot find them.

Big Foot

Last night I noticed Jace's ankle was all swollen. As far as I know, he hadn't hurt himself and there weren't any puncture wounds to suggest he had been stung. I gave him some Motrin and he slept soundly through the night.

This morning when he woke up it was red, hot and much larger than the night before. My mom and JLowe suggested I take him to the doctor... I probably would have waited another day or so, but they had me all worried. The doctor didn't know what caused it (she suspected a bite of some kind) and put him on an antibiotic to be on the safe side.

You wouldn't have known anything was troubling the kid, he didn't complain and continued to walk and run like always. He did however, scratch it quite a bit and he wouldn't let anyone, but me, touch it. Hopefully, we will see some improvement in the next couple of days.

Tomatoes

I like tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes galore and nice, big, juicy beefsteak tomatoes. This is the best time of year for tomato sandwiches. Try this...


Toast
Lg. sliced tomato
Spray butter
Garlic
Salt & Pepper

Yum!

Snakes and snails and puppy dog tails...

Dax - June 2006

I know he looks like he was hit by a truck, but it's just dirt folks...

Jace - August 2010

I love that boys can get dirty, real dirty, and it doesn't even phase them.

I love that they can be sweaty and stinky and just plop down on the couch and read a book.

I love that they really, really enjoy their Popsicles and don't mind being sticky.

I love that they can dig for worms and don't mind picking up and pinching the life out of bugs.

I love that they fart and giggle about it as early as a year old.

I love that they can wrestle with dad one minute and hug and kiss their mom the next.

I especially love my boys.

Guilty Pleasure - Miss Universe

You can't be serious, you ask? Oh yes, I love to watch the beauty pageants... and have loved doing this since I can remember. Some years, I have even hosted a pageant party; with score cards, treats and prizes. I love the evening gown competition and of course, the "you got a brain in there?" question.

Is it just me or did the this year's final 10 all have googly eyes? Maybe it's a new look that I am too old to sport...

Go Miss South Africa!

Update: Ok, Miss South Africa didn't make the final 5, so I am going to have to say Miss Ukraine based on the final question.

Update: Miss Mexico=Miss Universe 2010
Certainly beautiful, great evening gown and she answered her question alright, but I got the feeling she was a bit full of herself... maybe it was just nerves.

So Frustrated!

Arrgh... my computer is running so slowly. It sounds like it's doing a lot, but that is all it's doing. Anyway, since I am about ready to launch the thing out the window, I am just going to do a quick movie review and call it a night.

I liked it.

Happy Birthday Tara!

So pretty!

I would like to wish my long distance sister-in-law, Tara, a wonderful and happy, happy birthday!

Tim & Tara

May the little fishies you meet NEVER get in the way of you enjoying yourself in this big fishbowl called life. (private joke) Miss you...

Photo Friday #14 - Jill at Lagoona Beach

I love pictures that perfectly capture a great
moment in time.

Lagoona Beach - Farmington, Utah
Jill - 4 years old

Do you think she was having a good time?

Boys by the River

Seriously, this was done last night, but the file didn't load and therefore I could not publish it. My bad...

Bits and Pieces

• Today was Dax's first day of the 1st grade. He told me his day was too long and it wasn't as fun as Kindergarten. I told him that it would get better, that he just needed a good night's sleep

• I feel so rotten. Apparently me and 25 faculty members from Logan High got a case of food poisoning from a luncheon we attended on Monday. I didn't go to work today, which was very unlike anything I would ever do in my right mind. I appreciate my boss and JLowe for being so understanding. That will teach me for joking around and telling them I was going to take a personal day on the 1st day of school

• I haven't thrown up in 10 years

• Jace told Justin that the school lawn looked "horrible". He has incredible speaking skills for a 2 year old
  

Ladies' Club Championship

Today I golfed the 2nd half of the Ladies' Club Championship. Last week, I shot pretty good (for me) and this week I shot pretty bad... Still I won 2nd place in my flight) which means $40 to spend at the clubhouse. It was so, so hot and I feel a little sick to my stomach so I think I'll get right to bed. I don't know if it's golfing in the heat or the fact that school starts tomorrow and I am nervous for Dax or I am nervous because I have scheduled a number of my students for 2 classes that don't exist... long story.

Storm Watch

I asked Dax to run outside this evening to pick up anything off the lawn that he didn't want to get wet. Silly me, I thought (or hoped) that it would rain. Anyway, he rushed back in the house for the camera because he thought it was cool that there was sun right next to some very, very dark clouds.

He also told me that this was something I could blog about tonight since I had already written about Jill and Jace in the last couple of days!

Jace the Thinker

I was watching Jace this morning figure out how he was going to get all his matchbook cars downstairs so that he could play with Dax. It was interesting... First, he looks at me at sweet like, and I knew he was waiting for me to offer help. I didn't because I wanted to see what he would do. After a few minutes, this is what he came up with. What a clever little guy!

Banana Bread

My daughter, Jill, loves to make banana bread. How can I refuse to let her do something she loves? She made some this afternoon and it was delicious.

Here is the recipe:

3 ripe, mashed bananas
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil or shortening
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9x5 loaf pan. In a large bowl combine sugar, oil (shortening) and eggs. Beat in bananas. Add remaining dry ingredients and combine. Fold in nuts. The batter should be thick.

Pour into prepared pan and bake for 1 hour. Insert a toothpick in center to check for doneness. If toothpick is clean when removed, the bread is done. Remove from pan and cool.

Blogging Wasn't Hard Tonight...

That's what she said!

10 Things I Love About The Office (so far)

1. Michael

2. Toby

3. Pranks On Dwight

4. Stanley's Ugliness

5. Diversity Day

6. Phylis Gets Flashed

7. Pelvic Cast Signing

8. Oscar Forced Out of the Closet

9. Kevin's Shifty Eyes

10. Jim & Pam (of course)

Look at those melons...

First of all, I have to thank my cousin, Jaimee, for introducing me to the joys of watermelon. It's not like I didn't like watermelon before, I just hadn't thought of cutting it up and keeping it in my fridge for a healthy snack. I'd buy a watermelon, slice it, eat what I could and then throw the rest of it away, mainly because I couldn't fit it in my fridge. Well, now I have a bigger fridge and I cut the watermelon into chunks and store them in a tupperware bowl...
it's great and the whole family loves it!

Some Interesting Facts (taken from West Chester Dish.com):

1. Not only does it quench your thirst, it can also quench inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.
2. Over 1,200 varieties of watermelon are grown worldwide.
3. Watermelon is an ideal health food because it doesn’t contain any fat or cholesterol, is high in fiber and vitamins A & C and is a good source of potassium.
4. Pink watermelon is also a source of the potent carotenoid antioxidant, lycopene. These powerful antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing free radicals.
5. Watermelon is a vegetable! It is related to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.
6. Early explorers used watermelons as canteens.
7. Watermelon is grown in over 96 countries worldwide.
8. In China and Japan watermelon is a popular gift to bring a host.
9. In Israel and Egypt, the sweet taste of watermelon is often paired with the salty taste of feta cheese.
10. Every part of a watermelon is edible, even the seeds and rinds.

Rough Day by Jace

Yes, the little guy is taking an afternoon snooze. His feet are 5 inches off the ground... it must have been too much effort for him to make it up on the couch.

The Pop In

I am not a fan of the pop in... unless I am at work and then I really like it! Today my nephew, Logan, and my sister-in-law, Kristy, dropped in on me at work. I was actually working too, which was nice. I like to set the example to Logan when I can!

They brought me some yummy white chocolate squares that were awesome. I took a couple with every intent to share with JLowe, but ended up eating them both myself. Sorry Jill, but you were gone too long and they were calling my name. I know, if anyone, you can appreciate my plight.

Thanks for breaking up my day!

Dog Kisses

So cute...

...and so gross!

Bits and Pieces

• attended Lola's blessing today. She looked so sweet, all dolled up and princess like-she even had a french manicure

• looking forward to work and I appreciate (more than she knows) that my mom offered to watch my boys while I work this year
  

• can't believe it is already time for the Ladies Club Championship

• they sure smoked a lot of cigarettes in the 60's
  

My 2 Sons

Cute boys, cute haircuts...

I am also...

I wasn't sure that I could get away with this 2 days in a row... but summer vacation is over and I just spent the past 2 days back at work. It applies and it's appropriate!

I am...

More Beans & Wieners

OVER BEANS & WIENERS

Justin: Dax, I don't know what mom and dad are going to do to get your attention. Do you have any ideas that will help you learn to listen?

Dax: I don't know, maybe you could just punch me in the stomach real hard or something...

Mmmmm. Does anyone have any better ideas?

Beans & Wieners

OVER BEANS & WIENERS




A couple of nights ago, Jace and I were sitting on the couch together. He was playing and I was reading a book. Well he starts making these smoochy, kissing noises and when I glance over I find him playing with Dax's Wonder Woman and Hawk Girl action figures. THEY WERE TOTALLY MAKING OUT!! As soon as Jace saw that I was watching him, he quickly put them behind his back and innocently smiled at me... I know this is every MAN'S dream, but a 2 year old? I so wish I had had my camera handy...

8th Annual Miller Family Classic

Today was the 8th Annual Miller Family Classic. This tournament, typically held in June near my brother-in-law's birthday, is one of my favorite yearly family activities. Dave and Marie, my in-laws, really go out of their way to make this event special. I just want them to know that I appreciate the time and effort that goes into making this fun. Love you guys!

We met at the golf course this morning at 7:30 am and enjoyed some bagels and orange juice before our 8am tee time. The door prize for the men was a nice "live lucky" golf shirt and the women got a nice, light-weight golf jacket. There were also goodie bags filled with an assortment of snacks, lip balm, balls and we each also received a bag of Miller Classic tees and a valuables bag.

The foursomes were: Dave & Marie, Katie & Royce and Jason & Leslee, me and Justin.

Even though we went out at 8 it still warmed up real fast. I didn't play the best game (I won't even post my score) and I blame the extreme heat and of course my new friend, Vertigo. Justin hit some incredible drives - I love to watch his ball gather speed, height and distance, it "does" something to me.

Afterward, we all gathered around our cars and waited for the scores to be tabulated. Here are the highlights (and low-lights)!

WINNERS
Men - Dave Miller
Women - Marie Miller

How awesome is it that the hosts of this tournament would take home the trophies?

Closest to the Hole
#5 - Me
#8 - Jason
#13 - Leslee
#17 - Dave

Lowest # of putts
Marie (there was a tie breaker between Marie and Royce)

Highest # of penalty strokes
Royce (there was a tie between me and Royce but he had the most on one hole)

Highest # of strokes out of the sand
Royce

WINNER of the BROWN JACKET
(player with the highest net score)
Royce

I've got to hand it to Royce. He is such a good sport about this even though he has taken this jacket home 5 years in a row! It must be noted that he birdied a couple of holes AND this is not his home course. Every year he challenges the family to play this same tournament up at the Country Club and every year we turn him down. It is just too much fun watching him put the jacket on even before the scores have been tallied. None of us wants to get our butts kicked up at the club!

DISHONORABLE MENTION
Farmer Brown

This guy should have his license revoked! He does not shut his mower down for anything or anyone. Actually, I gave him the death glare on hole #7 as I was chipping onto the green. He did shut the blade off just long enough for me to get on. He did however, power back up right after and Jason had to take his sand shot with his machine roaring in the background.

We also found out that he mowed over one of Dave's balls. You should have seen it, broke in two pieces... Dave was M-A-D... Seriously, this guy needs a lesson in golf etiquette.

Dear Mom

One of the projects I wanted to complete before going back to work was to organize all my photos and memorabilia and get them filed in my filing cabinet. While I was going through things, I came across a number of cards and letters to me from Jill when she was little. Here is one I would like to share. I think Jill was in 3rd or 4th grade but I am not sure because it doesn't have a date on it.
Jill (6), Me (29)

Dear Mom I love you so much it hurts.
Roses are red Vilots are blue,
Mac and Chesse is sweet and so are
you! I am going to buy a dinner for
two just for me and you.
Thank you for everything youv done for me.
Man I love you. Remind me about the dinner thing.Thanks for making me delicas dinners!I'll give you 50 hugs and 50 kiss on your special day.
You help me reach the stars when I have truoble doing Math problems on my Home Work! You kiss me when im hurt. You cheer me up when im sad! This is the special day for you when your feeling bad. Did I menchin that I love you so much. You are so pritty.I'll make you breakfast in bed! I LOVE YOU!!!!

Love Jillian