Child's Prayer

While driving in the car Poppy started screaming, not crying, just yelling (this is not unusual and always unpleasant). To her shrieking I asked her (in my kind motherly tone) to:
"Use your inside voice Poppy", then "Poppy please quit screaming" after she continued screaming I reached behind the seat and hit her foot with my hand (not hard, just a get your attention type of slap) and said "Poppy stop yelling".
To this she started crying and screaming louder...
Oscar hating the noise started screaming at poppy to "stop crying". She wouldn't stop screaming...In a very sweet sincere voice Oscar folded his arms and said "Heavenly Father please make Poppy stop crying."
Suddenly she stopped crying...(I think this was because she was interested in his prayer)
Oscar then folds his arms bows his head and says "Thank you heavenly father for making her stop."

Weekend W/O daddy...

We seriously have a billion leaves...we have spent the past week playing over and over again in the giant piles...I'll post on this topic later.
Apple picking at the orchard. We picked some tasty apples with friends that we plan to can this week.
Friday the tikes and I went to a Halloween party at the Eaton ranch. It was a lot of fun and even had a headless horse-girl ride in. Later the kiddies got to take a ride on the pretty black ponies back. Here is the sunflower girl on teh horse (she LOVES to ride horses...she just beams when she 's up there)
When was the last time you saw a sweet little power ranger on a pony???
Lil' O's last soccer game. (coach Harley had a sweet soccer mask) Very entertaining especially with all of the side lines cheering for Oscar to RUN and Kick the ball. He likes to stand in the back and watch the game (not the aggressive in your face type) . He did a great job but told me he was very excited it was his last game, so he could start swimming lessons again (Auntie Nat can be proud).

Mainly we spent our days trying to keep busy because inevitably if we had down time the kiddies would start missing their Daddy. Each morning Poppy would ask "Where Daddy Go?".
Oscar told me on Thursday night "Mom. I wish yesterday was Saturday so dad would be home sooner." It was really cute.
The next day I found him explaining to Poppy "Today I have school, tomorrow we play with mommy, and Sunday after church, daddy will come home! To this they both cheered "yeah daddy come home!!" They both really miss him when he is out of town.
Speaking of which, I do find myself a little more on guard and anxious when Ricky isn't around. I'm very grateful NOT to be a single parent. I am much more secure and happy when Ricky is home. He just makes our lives better!
(Shout out to Jen who finished second marathon yesterday doing both of her marathons in one month! You go girl!)

Confidence...it's contagious!

(A pumpkin won't grow unless you plant it!)

Today after teaching my spinning class I was contemplating the great people I get to see each time I teach (mainly women, who are working on becoming better individuals by taking care of themselves). They come from all walks of life, but each of them are out there, doing something about who they are, rather than sitting home and doing nothing.

I've recently had connections with some people who are stuck in a self pity cycle of whoa-is-me... and rather than being sympathetic (which is of coarse what I really try to do when someone is in real need) I have found myself wanting to give them a nudge and say...come on don't be sacred, just get up and do something about it!

I should also note that I really have a zero-tolerance policy on whining...Poppy is the queen of it and it pretty much drives me nuts...so in my effort to get her to talk normally I try to say "Poppy, look at me and talk like a big girl".

This is the message that I want to give to those out there who are struggling or are in need of an extra push...get up and take control of the situation and have confidence in your ability to make the right decision! We truly short-change ourselves when we give insecurities the upper hand. I'm not saying I don't have insecurities...believe me I have a ton! But, the ability to see your weakness and to overcome it is so amazing, the knowledge of what you really can do is so inspiring!

After having all of these thoughts while driving home, I came home to find an email from my good friend Merilee and she included this message to me. I'm grateful to her for her inspired email...

"I sincerely hope you sisters fully understand the greatness of your gifts and talents and how all of you can achieve the 'highest place of honor' in the Church and in the world. One of your unique, precious, and sublime gifts is your femininity, with its natural grace, goodness, and divinity. Femininity is not just lipstick, stylish hairdos, and trendy clothes. It is the divine adornment of humanity. It finds expression in your qualities of your capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength. It is manifest differently in each girl or woman, but each of you possesses it. Femininity is part of your inner beauty.

One of your particular gifts is your feminine intuition.
Do not limit yourselves. As you seek to know the will of our Heavenly
Father in your life and become more spiritual, you will be far more
attractive, even irresistible. You can use your smiling loveliness to bless
those you love and all you meet, and spread great joy. Femininity is part
of the God-given divinity within each of you. It is your incomparable
power and influence to do good. You can, through your supernal gifts, bless
the lives of children, women, and men. Be proud of your womanhood. Enhance
it. Use it to serve others."

(James E. Faust "Womanhood: The Highest Place of Honor," Ensign, May 2000, 96)
With this beautiful quote in mind, I want you to try to think of one thing that you have been not doing, but want to. One thing that you are going to set out to conquer...You can leave me a comment if you are willing to divulge such private information, or you can make a mental note to yourself that you will do something and give yourself a deadline.

I find that if I pledge to do something to someone else, then I HAVE to do it. So here it goes, I pledge that I am going to: Paint with confidence! I have some hidden artistic interests that have been weighing on my mind lately. I have these great ideas and then shirk at my ability to actually do them. Deep down I think I can, but I hesitate because of the commitment to the project that is involved. I currently have about three in the works. I will keep you posted on my progress. As a birthday present to myself, I want to have two of the three completed my NOVEMBER 7th!

Pumpkin Harvest...Are those from MY garden???

Here we have our Edgie family pumpkin harvest!
Can you believe these actually all came from my garden? There were even more than pictured, most of them volunteer from our compost pile last year. It was such a fun year of surprises as we waited to see what would actually grow from our volunteer squash plants.
Being one that LOVES surprises, I've decided to throw a few extra squash seeds into the compost pile that I hope will randomly appear somewhere in the garden next year. Just so I can anticipate and wait for the surprise effect!
Here is our budding artist at work...He was the inspiration for our pumpkin menagerie.
Here are the completed "carved" pumpkins...we decided to save the bake-able ones for a yummy pie at a later date. A few will also be going to school with Oscar tomorrow for his class to explore. Word on the streets (aka his teacher) the kids are gong to have to try eating some of the pumpkin innards (raw).
Tonight when I was putting Oscar to bed he asked me (nervously) if he was really going to have to taste them. I told him that yes, he would, and that they would probably taste good...I wouldn't really know I don't believe I've ever tasted the raw pumpkin guts before...Have you?
Happy Fall To the Blog World!

Dear Poppy...

Today will go down in your sweet little history as your first day for braids! No longer will you only be subjected to the little piggies, of which you promptly and forcefully ask to be removed, immediately after putting them in.
Today, you not only left them in the entire day (new record), but you actually liked them...Yes, you were this sweet little-big girl all day with your hair actually "done".
Although after a nap, and much play time, you actually looked something like this:
Today I couldn't help but want to squeeze all of your sweet, cutness like crazy! The braids, coupled with your new "Kitty" persona, has made my day of being your mom, oh-so-sweet. I love to watch you grow...and I really enjoyed bathing my new "Big" kitty (don't tell Dad...he may start sneezing).
-Mom

Letty Bo Betty's

It's official...I'm famous now! Here we have a pair of shoes named after me!!! It does help that they are made by my ex-roommate, cousin, and best friend Lisa...they are still cute however!! Here is the link to her shoe page called Baby Tidbitz.
This little darling is called Lily's Pad...sooooo cute! You should check out her sites. She is very creative.
And a big Thanks to Lisa for naming a shoe after me! ;0) Who wouldn't want that!

Liquor Store

Tonight I ventured for the first time in my almost 28 years of life, into the liquor store. Why you might ask? Would a Good Mormon girl who does not drink alcohol, be venturing into such a place?
A good challenge, and a desire for great home-made vanilla...For a while now, we have been making our own vanilla out of some vanilla beans we purchased off of eBay (note: you can get cheap vanilla beans on eBay, if you want really great vanilla!).
Tonight as I was getting ready to go to the store to get some MILK, Cereal, Bananas, Baby Wipes...etc. Ricky says...oh, and can you stop by the liquor store and pick up some more Rum and Vodka? I say...I don't even know where to find it! He says never mind I'll do it...

Therefore, my competitive, need for a good challenge self steps up to the plate and says...You can do it. I'll surprise my husband, that thinks I'm too much of a wuss to do it. Bedsides, why would a Mormon, mother of two, look any different than their typical clientel? (I should note that besides the checker, I was the only other female in the store...the others were a bunch of college guys chatting about what types of drinks are really great!)
The visit was quite uneventful, other than the fact that it was the first time I have ever been carded (or handed over my id to avoid her having to ask).

Which brings me to my next point...I do find in these situations, my pride comes to the surface and MAKES me ride to the challenge. So, in the future, if you should ever want me to do something, just present it in a nice challenging way and watch me go...

Template makeover...

Ok, so the new template isn't quite what it should be and I'm still working on it!!! NO need to fear (as if you even noticed)...the links will be back soon.

Orange or Yellow??

Blog world i need your advice...if this were your sun room/play room, would you pant it funky orange or more conservative yellow?
The strange thing about this dilemma is that i totally know that in 5-10 years my kids willl be sherking at the colors eithier way. Have I become the weird 70's woman who put shag green and orage carpet all over thier house because it was sooo cool?
Welllll, let me know what you think!

Does it really count???

When one is in a race with other people, and is awarded FIRST place in their age division, does it really count if you are the ONLY one in that age group??? I mean, it is after all my very first, first-place ribbon for any sort of running event...The ribbon is actually basically the same thing you could find at the dollar store...It doesn't even have my time on it or anything...Yet, it is kinda cool to say that I was first place once!

Betina, on the other hand, received third place out of a larger pool of people in her age group. This I would think, would be a much more deserving ribbon.

Ricky-not pictured due to his avoidance of the camera, really earned his ribbon getting second place over all, while pushing a stroller! I'm telling you he is just short of Hercules...;0)

The only other race I have placed in was a triathlon-turned duathlon (due to high lake levels, 5k run, 40k ride, 10k run) where there were only three women who did the Olympic length. I came in 3rd place (which is really last place) yet, I still value that ribbon as well...I suppose I like the small pool verses the ocean.
Reality is that the race is really me against my watch...I was excited to get a new PR 1:51:03. I'm considering starting a running blog to post this un-important information. In the meantime, if you are bored with our running events you can scroll down and see the cute pics of our sweet little cherubs!!

Sampler

One toddler, two toddlers up on top...we will not let our toddlers drop...(a.k.a. ten apples up on top, Dr, Seuss)
Fall with friends!
Friday the kids were out of school so we took a fun little hike at a fun park in our area. I love the feel of fall and the pretty leaves. Not to mention just hanging out with my kids.
This will be our prelude to the real sampler that will be put together tomorrow...for now I'm ready for bed.

Confrence Sunday Sampler

Today could very well epitomize fall wrapped up in a nice cozy package. We had the great opportunity of listening to conference (held in Salt Lake City and sent via internet, T.V., satellite Etc.. throughout the world). Twice a year, spring and fall, our church leaders hold a two day conference, full of inspiring counsel and direction to encourage all within its reach to stand a little taller and be a better person. Today was the final day of the fall conference, and I felt a sense of renewal and joy in being a mother, wife and friend.
Truly this life is about being part of a much bigger circle. Each of us has a the capacity to love, serve, and make this world a better place. I'm grateful to have the knowledge of a God who truly knows me and that I can have access to him through prayer. What a wonderful world we live in!
Along with watching conference, we took a walk to our Sunnyside park where we feed the ducks, pigs, lamas, and play on the toys. The pictures above show the trail we take to get to the park and Poppy and I laying down on the Merry-go-round. The air was crisp and fall -like, the leaves were changing colors and it felt like a beautiful fall day.
Following conference we ventured over to our Friend's, the Eaton's, for Samantha's birthday party.
It was a great party, we went for a hike on the hills across the road from their farm house, the kids had horse back rides, and then had some tasty pumpkin-chocolate chip muffins (all whole food made), and a bowl of mixed nuts and fruit.
Nikki my friend, and Sam's mom, really makes an effort to do things all organic and local (if possible). I have posted their ranch previously on my blog, but they raise organic free-range beef. It was delightful to see all of the kids having good-ol' fashioned fun! I don't think they even missed the sugar-laden cake...it was a real treat!

Pukey Peeps

Two Pukey kids...Total of daily pukes-9, Oscar-8 Poppy-1...Hopefully we will make it through the night without any further puking sessions.
Our Newest resident living in our sun room...Rick and Oscar want to keep him...I say he MUST go!!! I have been saying that for the past two days, and because of his precarious position I'm not willing to move him myself...Yes...Mr. BIG spider cannot live in my plant any longer! It's creeping me out!!!
And here we have out newest naked chef...Too cute for words...

Change...

Do you ever find yourself at the crossroads of change? Recently (yesterday) after chatting with the boss at the Gym I teach spinning. I discovered that there needs to be a change in my teaching approach and style. She didn't say I needed to, but in an effort to make things more consistent at our gym I have decided that it is the best thing for me to do....
Although I LOVE constructive criticism (mainly because I can't change something if I don't know there is something to change) there is that moment(or longer) when you feel a little exposed and unsure of yourself.
Suddenly you are re-evaluating all of the minor imperfections in the category that need some improvement. You try to reach out for something to justify or embrace the mentality behind the previous choice/technique of teaching.
In looking for ideas I threw my input and questions to a cycling forum...good/bad choice. Now it seems the others find me inexperienced and also critiquing my previous teaching methods...after all they don't really know the whole picture of my teaching...I only gave them the piece I'm working on...they dont see the part where my classes seem to love what I give them and seem to enjoy my teaching styles.
So, basically I threw myself to the dogs in an effort to find ideas and now find myself regretting exposing my weakness to the masses...So why do you ask would I further expose myself to the blog world?
I suppose it is my way of reaching out and putting on paper (so to speak) how hard it is to make a change for good while trying hold on to the pieces I felt were strong and secure.
-Heres one for self improvement!
I'll let you know how it goes...I do like improving and re-inventing myself to become something more...it's just a bit uncomfortable!

Birthday Girl!

The pretty Poppy...note: Daddy did hair and picked the dress...nice work daddy!
Finally, almost finished...
Big brother being all to happy to help out.
Poppy scared to blow out the candles
(Girl worn out by all the partying fun!)
Two Years ago at this time...I was laying in a hospital bed, grateful to not be pregnant. I was probably getting a little sleep and snuggling with this sweet, little girl named Poppy who had come into our lives.
From the beginning, she was a feisty happy girl with an attitude that remains to this day. They say that some things are nurture, rather than nature, but I'm convinced that this little piece of heaven came this earth with a mission and a purpose, that even in the beginning she was willing to let the rest of us know, that she was determined and willing to complete her mission on earth!
Here, two years later, she remains this feisty happy girl who attempts to love and pinch anyone within her grasp. Don't worry, she only does this to those she loves! To those she dislikes she merely ignores their existence.
Today, as I snuggled her soft skin and kissed her sweet little cheeks my heart was full of the joy only a mother can truly understand. My nose could smell her sweet wispy hair and her soft little legs were tucked warmly in their little tights...These are the moments, that years from now, I want to remember. I want to remember her calls for "snuggle mamma". Her pretty little eyes and nose. I hope to remember the little love pinches that, I'm certain, are her way of showing me that she just can't quite contain the love she has for me. I too, at times lover her so much that I just want to squeeze and snuggle her and never let go.
Now, two years later...We have this little lady of a girl who loves ALL things female oriented...To this Grandma Edge has facilitated nicely in giving her the lovely kitchenette and kitchen accessories. Oscar too, loves them! I think we have a winning gift on our hands...here is the completed project. Thanks grandma Edge!
Thanks also to Jori and Andy, for the cute little aprons and the recipe box to make the set-up even better!
My gift was that of completing said Kitchenette! I hope in years to come Poppy with enjoy the pretty pictures and maybe someday, her kids can play with it too. Someday, when I have forgotten the feel of those sweet little legs and feet, I will be blessed with grand babies who once again, will feel the whole that only kids and babies can fill in a human heart.
Happy Birthday my little Poppy...One day, if you read this, you will know that your mommy loves you very much!

Progress...

Here is the updated photo of the "Surprise" progress...I think polka-dots are out, bugs and flowers are in! Hopefully, I'll finish the cute embellishments finished this evening so tomorrow will be polyurethane coating time!
I am really getting excited to do the little creative touches on it...the artsy-wannabe side of me frequently gets placed on the back burner, to motherhood (which really is probably a good thing, considering how time consuming it can be).
Then when I'm at the beginning of a project, such as this, I find myself hesitating to jump into it, knowing how much time and effort it will require. I keep looking for this enormous block of time with all of the right conditions, until suddenly I have no choice but to take the project on...forgoing perfect, timely parameters! Then, once I'm immersed into the project I get this lovely euphoria of little fuzzies that make my creative juices spark to life! Little memories of doodling with my Grandma Dilworth, practicing for hours on how to draw an eye or a perfect curl of hair, come back to me. I'm transported back to those carefree days of youth where I can day dream of princesses and lands far away...very soon I'm certain my little Popster will stand in our playroom, pan or cup in hand, and too will, drift off to the world of play where she is the prefect mommy, serving up a tasty meal for her little ones...

Surprise in the making...

In light of our sweet little Poppy's 2nd Birthday this coming Sunday, we are finishing the present that Grandma and Grandpa Edge sent for her...
So, where exactly does a parent keep such a large project-in-the-making, where the kids WON'T find it???
Yup, you guessed it...the Laundry room!
They (meaning Oscar, soon to be Poppy) already found the surprise in the shed out back...so we decided one of the last places our kids like to play is the Downstairs, dungeon, laundry room.
Here is the make-shift work shop!
(hummm... does this mean I don't have to do laundry until it is finished???)
We are about to stain...This is where you come in, any input would be nice...We have a nice Antique sage, and and Ocean blue stain for the kitchenette...I'm thinking green for the majority and blue doors with polka dots?...Or maybe all green with a blue back-splash, and still polka-dotted-doors? How about no polka dots and some fun bugs and flowers...
Looking at this photo, given the colors of green and blue with various other color accented designs...what would you do????
Pre-stain went on tonight...staining begins tomorrow...Viewer with the best ideas, wins the joy of knowing that their idea will reside in our playroom for some time to come!!! And if it is really good, then maybe I'll send you some chocolate!

Seasonal Sampler

(Poppy donning her fall fashionable layers...really she asks to wear a jacket ALL of the time...Just like me! She also isn't afraid to wear a mommy shirt as a skirt!)
With 61 degree temperatures (in my house) greeting me each morning, I am reminded if the seasonal change that is taking place around me. Forcing me to adorn myself with multiple layers of clothing in an attempt to conserve my precious warmth!! Blasted cold weather! I know, I know, it is only going to get colder...I need no reminder...It is just that summer went so quickly, and now, I find myself scrambling to soak in the last bit of sunshine and green that I can before the doom and gloom arrives!
On one cloudy morning this week, Oscar exclaimed "mom I wish there was no such thing as clouds!" My response was, "well, if we didn't have clouds we wouldn't have snow to ski on or rain to water our plants." To this Oscar replied, "I wish the stars would rain or snow so it would never be cloudy."
Yes, He must be my sun loving child...
Oscar also began fall soccer, this could be one of the saving graces of fall transition. It is very fun watching our little tike run on the field (mainly in the direction of the wrong goal) full of excitement. He really is liking soccer, even if the logistics of what the game is all about, are still quite unclear!
Ahhh...another good thing of fall...TOMATOES! Yes we are basking in the remaining abundance of tomatoes, that is until the first frost. Above is the latest canning success! The recipe comes from Betina by way of her friend Beth Moxley...

Salsa
makes 10-11 pints

20 C ripe tomatoes, Italian plum type work best, peeled and chopped
3 C chopped onions
2-3 chopped green peppers
3-8 jalapeno peppers, chopped, the number depends on how spicy you like your salsa! (NOTE: wear rubber gloves when handling these peppers, the oil and juice can burn your skin)
1 C vinegar
3/4 C sugar
1/4 C NON-IODIZED SALT
2 t dried chili seed (sometimes it's called crushed (not ground) red pepper)
1 t cayenne (this is the ground red pepper)
2- 12 oz cans tomato paste
parsley and cilantro to taste

Put all together in large kettle. Cook over low heat (simmer) to desired consistency.
Process in water bath canner: 30 minutes pints; 40 minutes quarts
***NOTE: Can just quarter un-peeled tomatoes and pulse a couple times in the food processor. I use 3-4 jalapenos, it's spicy enough for Roy.

(I did not "cook down" the salsa previous to the water bath and it turned out really pretty and not to mushy...I also would decrease the amount of sugar by a little bit and add a few extra jalepenos for the hubby)
Oscar, who doesn't like salsa, tasted some and liked it so it is a yummy kid-friendly version. Rick and I devoured a half-pint in just a few hours....very tasty! I plan to make another batch this week.
And just in case you thought that our Kindergartener had out-grown the Super-stage, don't worry...he still isn't afraid to strike a pose! In fact Poppy now will ask Rick and I frequently if there are "Bad Guys coming"...She can be seen trailing along with Oscar in Super hero play...I suppose they too are prepping for the up-and-coming indoor play...Goodbye Summer 2007!

Marathon Photos!

Pictures have been posted!!! Wooohoo! It won't let my copy and paste so here is the link.. I'm having issues with copy and past...sorry!

Bib #'s Me 2255, Rick 92, Betina 2814

One of my favorite pics was from the trash bin! Sadly, I can't figure out how to link you there!
If you go to the link below and then go to the drop down menu for lost and found, then to trash. from there go to page 7 of 33, scroll to the bottom, and it is picture 20-1978. It's a nice one of B- and ME our legs are in sync with each other..pretty cool. (I'll really be surprised if any of you find it!!! Maybe this could be like hide and go seek!!! )

Have fun browsing photos...My finish photo has a nice gob of people around...Rick, he is all nice and solo, and if you look in Betina's Finish photo it is crowded too but she at least looks good, and if you look closely you can see me back behind her quite a ways, in blue shorts!!! Betina and Rick win the photogenic award. To this, I already am aware I lack the photo-lookin-good genetic!
Happy hunting...too bad I can't just copy them on here for you to see.

Race Pictures Online3

Let the Post-Marathon Projects begin!

With training completed, or subsided a bit, I now can begin to catch up on all of the things I've been putting on the back table for the past few months.

1. Finish painting very cool vintage TV tray to hang in the kitchen
2. Stain and finish cute table and chairs that have been unfinished for the past year and a half.
3. Paint the very fun Kitchenette that Grandma and Grandpa bought for Poppy's B-Day. (Need to decide how to finish it...any suggestions? I'm kinda thinking funky polka dots...)
4. Paint the living room and bedroom.
5. Clean out kitchen cupboards...(Ricky will be pleased to see this on my list!)
6. Finish Oscar's bedroom...make the curtains with the material that I have had for the last year and a half.
7. Put molding around fireplace and window...consider revising old cast iron railings.

Yes, this is not all inclusive...certainly there are a bundle of other things that need to be done...but for now here is my list! It will not be completed tomorrow but I'll post the progress as it work at it.