What the Wednesday!

I have a problem

I am addicted

To nail polish

Mostly OPI

Jarom has become an enabler

He got me a gift card for Mother's Day

I used it to buy the new

Pirates of the Carribbean collection

I LOVE

(I want to see the movie, too!  I heard it's really good.  I hope so, number 3 was like watching someone's really screwy dream.)

Preschool graduation is today

I always cry

I'm just so proud of the kiddos for growing up

And being so smart

Good luck in Kindergarten

Dalton, Eva, Hailey, Kaiya, Keith, Levi, Mayli and Trenton!

 The day after I posted about having a hard time

running on the treadmill

I ran 2 consecutive treadmill miles

Which is good for me
Then Monday night, I ran 2.5
It's getting easier

Thank you for the advice!

Have you seen this

It made me cry

So sweet!

Apples and peanut butter
My favorite bedtime snack
Or after lunch snack
or after breakfast snack, really
Any time of the day
You should try it sometime




Goodbye Oprah
You'll be missed...
Jarom laughs at me sometimes when he gets home from work
and the first words out of my mouth are:
Today, on Oprah...

I'll miss that





Skewers or Kabobs
Is there a difference?





Have a lovely Wednesday!

NOTW

Some people remember events by what clothes they were wearing, how they did their hair, or what food they ate.  I remember things based on what nail color I was wearing.  I know.  I'm obsessed.

I know I've mentioned my love for nail color before.  I started collecting a few years ago.  I prefer OPI polish for wear.  It just lasts longer.  Plus I love the color selection and they team up with celebrities and movies every once in a while.  I guess I'm a sucker for a celebrity endorsement.  That's probably the point.  (yes, I have two Justin Bieber inspired colors - don't judge).  And the names.  You Don't Know Jacques, Teal the Cows Come Home, Don't Socra-tease Me are a few of my favorites.

Anyway. 

I have a few China Glaze, Essie, Finger Paints and Orly colors too.  I paint my nails at least once a week.  Hence the title of this post (and any others that follow) Nail of the Week.  I have only repeated colors a handful of times.  I have a few favorites.  I read nail polish blogs.  It's just my thing, I guess.  My favorite nail colors are greens, purples and blues but I love a good red and I absolutely love unexpected nail colors like gray and heaven knows I enjoy myself a sparkly glitter.


Who knows?  Maybe I'll inspire a new nail polish fan or two along the way.

The color I'm wearing this week is one of the newest from OPI.  It's called Stranger Tides. 

The color is gorgeous.  I loved it from the moment I saw it online.  I purchased it last week and ran home to try it on.  It's a greenish gray.  It has a vintage grungy tone to it without being too gross a color.  I don't know if the color really compliments my skin tone but I kind of don't care.  I can see a kitchen appliance from the 50s in the same color.  It's from the new Spring collection inspired by Pirates of the Carribbean: On Stranger Tides.  It's probably my favorite from the collection.  The interesting thing about the collection is they are all pastel colors.  Pirates and pastels don't seem to go together.  I guess I would expect a red or black here but it is perfect for Spring. 

So that does it for this edition of Nail of the Week.  I'm not sure how often I'll post about my nail color.  I hope you enjoy!

What the Wednesday! - First Edition

Deep breath...

I'm on a blogging roll this week.  I've been wanting to do a weekly post.  My blog is mostly about my kids.  Okay, it's mostly about Hazel.  In an effort to let you into my crazy head, I present What the Wednesday.  This idea is hardly original.  I stole it from a few different blogs but I love it.  It's basically a list of the miscellaneous thoughts in my head.  If you want to know where I stole this from, check out here and here.  I'm pretty sure I made up the title, but wouldn't be surprised if someone else has used it.  If it's a copy cat, it's purely coincidence.  Lets get started, shall we?

I love the rain

I love the smell

How it makes everything so green an lush

Maybe I should reconsider my permanent residence in Utah

My preschool students are getting restless

We only have a little over a week left of school

Just imagine when they're Seniors

It's going to be a looong 13 years

I cannot for the life of me run on the treadmill

I got on last night fully intending to run 3 miles

I ran 1.5 and had to stop

I did some weights and thought I could run another mile

I ran .5 and stopped

It's soooo boring
What's my deal?

Any advice?

We're going to San Diego this Summer

I've never been
Well, except for a day on our honeymoon before our cruise

Anything we must see or do?

We're definitely doing Sea World and the beach

So excited.

I made these avocado eggrolls for dinner last night

SO GOOD!

If you're in a dinner rut, you must try them

They'd be perfect for a Meatless Monday dish

We paired them with roasted potatoes and edamame

 I'm not a fan of that dipping sauce, though

I just dipped them in this dressing
Jarom mixed the dressing with sriracha for a kick

Yum!

So. 

I'm running the Wasatch Back Relay in June (not the whole 188 miles, just 16ish)
Position 8 if you're interested

Pray for me




 Have you been watching The Voice?
I loved the first episode when the singers were doing the "blind auditions"
But now it's kind of boring
I still like American Idol better
Sorry all you AI haters
 And what's up with Christina Aguilara?
She looks like she fell in a puddle of makeup





My vegetable garden is really growing!
Squash, Lettuce, Watermelon, Spinach, Beets, Tomatoes, Peppers, Sunflowers, Peas
I hope this cold, rainy weather doesn't kill everything
I don't know a thing about gardening
But I'm determined to eat from my garden
Even if it's just a single spinach leaf






Enjoy this rainy Wednesday

Twentyeight

Saturday, May 14th, I turned twenty eight.  Jarom took the initiative to plan the day and he did not disappoint.  I married a professional sweetheart.  He turned my Bday into a national holiday and made me feel pretty special. 

Here's the thing.  I have been eating REALLY well the last 3 weeks.  Like hardly any meat, dairy and processed foods, tons of fruits and veggies, etc.  This next paragraph might be too much information.  Apologies in advance.  So, the night before my birthday we went to Thanksgiving Point with the kids to see the baby animals.  Then we stopped at the deli for an ice cream cone.  Jarom got a scoop of ice cream and I sampled it and ended up eating half of it.  Oops.  Then I accidentally ate half of his brownie, tater tots with cheese and a sugary not green smoothie.  Double oops.  Normally eating this way would have been alright for me, but after the crapfest that night, I woke up at 3am with a sore, bloated belly that HURT.  I stayed in the bathroom until 6am begging for forgiveness from the junk food gods.  I finally fell back to sleep at 6:30am and slept in until about 8:30.  I still had an aching belly but felt much better after throwing up much of what I ate the previous night.  I told Jarom that I never wanted to eat food again.  At all.  Ever.  Yuck.  I seriously think I might be lactose intolerant but that's another post.

So, Jarom let me sleep in and massaged my shoulders while asking if I still wanted to carry on with the day.  I thought about it and decided to give it a shot.  I took a quick shower and got dressed while he got the kids ready.  He never said anything about what we were doing.  I asked him if it involved food and he said kind of.  We loaded up the car and drove into town.  The first stop was Roxberry for my favorite green smoothie.  Normally, I would have done a happy dance, but after my night nothing sounded good.  Even my favorite green smoothie.  We pulled up and I said something like "I love you, but I really don't think I can handle a smoothie".  He said something like "trust me, you want a smoothie".  I walked in and he told the cashier that it was my birthday.  They rushed to the back and brought me a balloon and two smoothies that were ready to go.  Apparently he had planned this ahead.  Very clever and oh, so sweet.  He was right.  But I shared the smoothie with Hazel and Cannon.

Hazel is playing with the Roxberry balloon

We headed to 26.2 running company.  When we got there Jarom told the girl there that I was there for a gait analysis.  Awesome.  I have had one once before but it was before I really started running.  He had packed my running clothes and had it all ready for me to change for a quick run on the treadmill.  While I was in the dressing room I could hear him say something was in the fridge for me.  I kind of groaned thinking maybe it was more treats but when I got out, she had a bouquet of wildflowers waiting for me.  SO sweet!  They were beautiful.  I finished the analysis and browsed all the cool running gear.  I tried on some shoes.  Go figure I'm a Nike girl through and through.  I have been running in these Nike Pegasus but I really like the Nike Vomero too.  To me, they're just the most cushiony, comfy shoes for running.  Anyway, we browsed there a bit and hit up one more running store before taking the kids to my parents.  Jarom had packed bags with everything they needed for the day, including some peanut butter sandwiches and snacks.  He's just too sweet.

After my parents, he took me to Goldsmith Jewelers in Provo where he bought my wedding ring.  He had it rhodium plated and cleaned while we waited.  It's so sparkly now, such a difference!

Sorry for the blurry cell phone picture.  It's much better in real life.

Then we hopped on the freeway and headed to Salt Lake.  I asked where we were going but he said it was a surprise.  He drove into this little bakery parking lot and I shot him a glare.  I was pretty sure the green smoothie was alright but cake?  No way.  We walked in and he asked if I wanted to pick anything out for Hazel.  I said something like "Are you kidding me?  There's nothing she can eat here!" Turns out, the cute little bakery with cupcakes and cookies in glass cases was a vegan bakery!  It's called Cakewalk Baking Company and I highly recommend it.  They do gluten free as well.  Everything we tried was tasty.  They also had some vegan boxes of "cheese" sauce and macaroni and "cheese".  We picked some up and sampled a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting before picking up the cake that Jarom had ordered.  My stomach had settled a bit and it was GOOD!  He ordered a cake that we could share with Hazel.  He knows me too well.  I teared up as the dude rang us up.  It was just too much to think I could actually share my cake with Hazel.  Birthday dream come true.  Check.

After the bakery, we hit up Dick's Sporting Goods to look at some more running stuff.  I ended up getting three pairs of running shorts and tanks for a great bargain. We were there for over an hour trying stuff on and Jarom actually put together my favorite outfit in purple.  After Dick's, we hit up Target and found a few odds and ends for running.

I finally felt like eating so we decided to try Zupas.  I totally heart Zupas but Jarom's not a soup and salad guy so we don't go very often.  I just got a bowl of tomato soup but it was delicious.  So, my promise to never eat again didn't last long.

We stopped at a grocery store to get some dairy free ice cream to pair with the strawberries and cream vegan cake and share it with my family.  Jarom stopped in the flower section and asked me to pick out a bouquet.  I thought that was strange since he'd already given me flowers.  He said I would need them to give to my sister after watching her in the play.  So, my little sister, Haley, was cast as a narrator in the high school production of Children of Eden.  I had wanted to see her but hadn't ever gotten the chance.  I hugged him and jumped up and down with excitement.  So perfect!

We went to my parents and shared the yummy cake with them - Hazel loved it too!  Then we finished the night with the play.  It was such a grand day.  I love it when Jarom puts his whole heart into helping me celebrate.  It was the happiest of birthdays!  Twenty eight is going to be a great year.  Doesn't Jarom deserve a standing ovation?  He really is so good to me.  I'm lucky to have spent my last 9 birthdays with him.  He makes it so much better.

I'm happy to report that my digestive system is back to it's great self.  Thankfully. 

My Mom{s}

I'm over a week late, but I wanted to pay a tribute to the wonderful mothers in my life.

I'll start with my own.

 She loved me first.  She taught me to teach.  She is the one I call with news, happy, sad, moderately interesting.  She's selfless and supportive.  She really is the sweetest woman.  I'm lucky and blissfully happy that she's my mom.  My little Hazel is her spitting image.  They love one other in a way that tells me they've known each other for a long, long time.  When Hazel is sad or uncomfortable she asks for Gwamma.  My earliest memories of my mom were of brushing her thick, dark, beautiful hair and begging her never to cut it.  Corn fritters.  The little red school.  Feeding the ducks on Sunday.  Going on walks.  And her cute little white peep-toe shoes. 

 His Mom

I don't know what I did to deserve a mother-in-law as wonderful as her.  She showers me with praise (most of the time I don't deserve it).  She gushes and gushes about my kids.  She loves me for loving her son.  I love the man he is because of the mom she is.  She works hard.  She loves hard.  She has faith that could move a mountain.  I talk to her on the phone for hours and hours.  I wish everyone could have Sheri for a Mother-in-Law.  I'll never forget that she cried the first time I met her.  Sheri is loving and caring and slightly crazy (she owns it) but she doesn't cry very often.  I know now how profound it was that she knew (before I did) that Jarom and I were made for each other.  Sometimes I forget that I'm an in-law in Sheri's family.  I am so comfortable and myself around her.  She is the perfect second mom.  And Cannon adores this woman.  He pretends to call her on the phone and asks at least once a day if we can go to California and see Gwamma Sheri.

Grammy

 Grammy is Jarom's Grandmother.  Sheri's mom.  She's just one of those people that people love.  She is truly the most selfless, giving, caring, kind person I know.  She's a true angel.  Her life has been full of service and thinking of others.  Hazel's middle name is Gayle, which is Grammy's first name.  Most of the time we call her Hazel Gayle.  We knew when we had a daughter that her middle name would be Gayle even before we were married.  Grammy loves to make treats.  She's famous for her peanut clusters, peanut butter balls and cakes.  Oh, and her pink lady.  That stuff is good!  She calls often and wants to know what's going on in our lives.  She sends cards for every holiday and loves to be with us.  We sure love our Grammy. 


GG

 My mom's mom.  We call her Lucy even though her name is Marilyn.  She's just cute.  She follows all the latest trends.  Seriously.  She had a toe ring when they first came out.  She is a great cook.  She has dinner every Sunday and feeds us and all the college kids.  Even the ones that aren't her own grandkids.  She makes them feel welcome.  I watched her care for my grandpa when he was sick.  It's hard work and she did it well.  She can't hear very well which leads to some funny conversations.  My favorite was when grandpa was calling for her and she was in the living room with us.  Jarom told her that grandpa needed something and she said "I know, I'm just pretending I don't have my hearing aids in."  I still laugh about that.  She is the matriarch of a huge family.  She had 6 kids and all of them have kids.  I think there are over 60 grand and great grand kids.  What a legacy!  She loves to travel and is always planning the next big trip.  I really hope I can be as much fun as her when I'm 80!  She really is a great example of living life to the fullest. 

Grandma

Last but not least.  My grandma.  My dad's mom.  I loved traveling to California to see her when I was a little girl.  I still remember what their house smelled like - Summer.  I loved swimming in her pool, going to Disneyland and playing Mario on the Nintendo at the house.  She did cute little crafty things when we came.  I remember one time she had blue day.  We had everything blue.  Let's just say that blue chicken noodle soup isn't as appetizing as it sounds.  In a large way, she is the reason I married Jarom.  I had some long talks with her around the time I was "deciding" and she loved him from the start and encouraged me to marry the man that "idolized" me.  I'll never regret that decision.

I'm in awe of these beautiful, loving women.  They are all tremendous examples and have set the bar very high.  Hopefully I'll be able to teach my kids the way they did.

Happy {late} Mother's Day!

Two Lips

So, Utah finally decided that it's Spring.  In order to celebrate, we attended the annual Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point on Monday of this week.  Hub gave me a family pass to the point for Valentine's Day and we've put it to good use.  I take the kids to the dinosaur museum on occasion and we always stop at the deli for free ice cream for the kids (sorbet for Hazie).  There are so many things to do in the gardens, farm country and dinosaur museum that we never get bored.  For the past three years, I've held fast to a secret desire to attend the tulip festival.  Now I can say that I have.  It's gorgeous.  Simply gorgeous.  My camera could never do the gardens justice.

I had my bridal photos done here at the gardens almost seven years ago.  We saw three brides wandering the gardens.  Cannon asked "can I go talk to the princess?" each time we saw one.  It was adorable.  As much as I love the tulips and daffodils, my favorite are the cherry blossoms.  I love the smell and the pretty light pink color.

I didn't know we could bring food in or I would have insisted on a family picnic.  We saw several other families picnicking among the beautiful bulbs and blossoms.  Next year we will.  For sure.  I'm excited to use my pass to come back to the gardens through the Summer.  What a beautiful place, and it's practically in our back yard.  (Okay, it's a quick 20 minute drive, but still.)

Speaking of tulips.  Here are my favorite tulips pushing our little princepesa.  Is there anything more appealing than a guy pushing an umbrella stroller?  Yum.

The Girls in the City

L->R Haley, Whitney, Megan, Tori, Non, GG, Ashley
(yes, I'm the oldest and shortest - laugh it up.)

Saturday night, my sisters and I (plus non and GG) hit up Salt Lake for a good old fashioned Girl's Night Out.  We ate at Thaifoon at the Gateway.  I had a delicious vegan pad Thai.  It was slightly spicy and oh, so yummy.  We talked and giggled as we often do.  Then we hit up Urban Outfitters (pictured above) in search of the great literary masterpiece All My Friends are Dead.  Yeah, Haley's got a morbid sense of humor.  The first page is a dinosaur. Then we saw Jane Eyre at the Broadway Centre Theater.  Okay, so I'll admit that I've never read the book.  I didn't see some of the major twists coming, but I enjoyed it.  It's sort of a depressing movie, but it was beautiful like a postcard and a very intriguing story.  It was a great movie for a bunch of girls to go see, that's for sure.  Then we toured the respective apartments/dwelling places of Whit and Meg.  We got GG back to her warm bed around midnight.  Poor GG.  It was great to get out and be with my family.  I love them all dearly and we don't get to be together often enough.  Thanks girls!