Stuff

Further evidence for Jay that digging in someone's trash, shopping at thrift stores and yard sales are good for the environment and my wallet. And I recycle, though Jay resents the fact that we have to pay $5 a month to recycle.

The Story of Stuff (long video but useful info)

M26: The Story of Stuff (like her review of above video)

The Stuff of Stuff

I Like Stuff

And what if all my STUFF was gone in an instant? Would I feel lighter or mourn for all the useless and untouched bits and pieces?

Used is hip now, isn't it? Lots of blogs now for reusing and redoing what you've already got, or found on the curb. When I need some "retail therapy," I head to my favorite thrift store, honest. I like stuff, too, but I'm cheap and I love giving something a new life. Here are some of my favorite blogs for inspiration of updating and improving previously loved treasures.

Remodelaholic

Better After

So Jessica, when can you come up and help me purge? I need some honest and harsh new eyes to evaluate the necessity of my stuff. And some empty boxes; anybody got empty moving boxes to haul my stuff away?

Tribute to Jay

This is too cool, even if it's just for the UK visor. Love you, Dad.

Dad Life from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

Another One Down

1 neglected, ignored pitiful blog
2 homes we've shared together
3 monkeys we've created and unleashed on the world
4 degrees Jay's earned (#4 finishing up soon!)
5 cars we've gone through
6 traveling excursions shared together
7+ years of loony parenthood
8 I can't think of eight anything--darn summer colds/sinus infections!!
9 years of hugs, tears, kisses and struggles.

I love you, Jay. Happy Anniversary! Here's to 90 more! (Years, not children. I'm already ready for the "Mommy's Little Vacation" asylum.)

Pride in My Ride

Actually, I aspire to a true Swagger Wagon. My piece o' crap Ford works for now; but someday, I'll rock the SE, too.

Family Reunion

Parker's spring break was a few weeks ago--yipee. One of the empty, long days of mayhem, I took my monkeys to visit their relatives (which side, I wonder?) at the zoo. Good times, good times. Actual friends accompanied us, so it really was a bit of fun--three moms and 10 kids, with 4 restrained in strollers, of course. We have a zoo membership, which is awesome 'cause we can see a few animals, whine that we're thirsty and complain that we're tired of walking and then leave, saving the other creatures for another visit. I'm taking an online photography class and this outing was a perfect opportunity to practice and see what all I don't know. Here's the documented evidence, in case you're interested.

This one's too dark--I thought I lightened it? (Parker, Dallin, Ava, Merritt and Miller)

She's on the right animal--sweet princess appearance with the bite of a croc.

Spencer's intent on chaos--must restrain him quickly! And why is Parker showing off his water? Yes, I do hydrate them occasionally.

And this guy was posing, so I had to oblige with a shot. Wonder where his horn is?

And the boring artistic shots--I need to learn how to prettify them in Photoshop or something.

Ooh, bokeh.

I love this statue in the Garden of Peace--sure could use that spot of green in my yard. I think I'd have to camp out in it though. (The garden, not the statue.)

Pretty flowers!

Bunny Magic

Since Easter this year was the same Sunday as General Conference and we stay home to listen to/watch/snooze through it online, there really wasn't a Sunday for the monkeys to wear their Easter garb. I dressed the boys in their shirts the Sunday before Easter but was too lazy to iron Merritt's dress that day so she wore her dress the Sunday after Easter. (Thanks, Mom, for ironing that horrible beast!) I was determined to take pictures since I don't know if Merritt will ever wear the dress again--it's the wrinkle monster from heck. The boys aren't in their official Easter shirts, but it's really all about the pretty dresses anyway, right? And this is as good as it got of Boy #2--he's definitely two.

Now I'm not a horrible mom--I do document some of the events in my monkeys' lives.

What IS He Eating?

I' ve been watching this tonight and now I don't think I want Parker eating any more school lunches. Processed junk and I know he doesn't eat the veggies and fruit that comes with his meal--just the entree, chocolate milk and dessert. Dang it! Now I gotta start packing healthy lunches. Bummer.

And I know I'm lazy and the kids have nuggets or frozen pizza 1-2 nights a week. They always have a fruit with lunch and a veggie at dinner and I never fry (too messy!) but we'll have to have more salads. We already eat only whole-wheat bread but I'll definitely have to switch to brown rice and whole-wheat pasta. Good thing I'm too cheap to buy chips and cookies--won't have to cut that out, as long as they don't find my stash under the bed. :)