Memories

I saw this on Johanna's blog and thought it would be fun. It's about memories. You can do it for Bryce and/or me.

As a comment on this blog, leave one memory that you and I had together, or one of the first memories you have of me. It doesn't matter if you knew me a lot or a little, anything you remember.

Hope I don't regret doing this! :) I look forward to hearing your memories.

Grilling Problems

**As a disclaimer, I got our camera to work temporarily by deleting the old pictures off. We'll be going for a few weeks without a camera after this though because I'm mailing in our memory card to get a new one.**


So, I love my new grill, but wow, we've got issues with each other! I have attempted to use it a few times before, I've gotten okay with chicken, only slightly black around the edges. Today was my first attempt at hamburgers. In my defense, the package said to cook them on medium low heat for 5 minutes on each side. I followed it exactly, even set my timer in the kitchen so I'd know when to go out and flip them. I did think it was weird when I noticed all of the smoke coming out of the grill and saw flames when I opened it to flip them, but I decided not to do anything about it because I was following the directions. Well, 5 minutes later after flipping them, I got this.


I wish I was kidding about this and said I used some chocolate cookies for the picture or some black rocks but sadly, I can't. Bryce shook his head at me and gave me some sound advice. He said, "Jean, with grills, there are no recipes. You can't set a timer and walk away, you've got to be out there with it." It makes sense, and I think I'm going to take his instructions to heart. Ah well, you live and learn, right? Seriously, I should make a book out of the pictures of my dinners gone wrong.

Final Score: Grill:1 Jean:0

We're back!

We got back recently from a trip to Las Vegas to visit with the Leavitts. As usual, we had a great time. We went swimming, played at parks, rode a carousel, and went up to Bryce's grandparents cabin up Cedar Mountain in Southern UT (with his sisters and parents and grandparents and aunt and her family--I think we counted 27 people total) where we went on walks, had a bonfire, and spent a lot of time just playing games and being with family. I loved seeing the girls paly with their cousins, they were all so darling! Thanks Rhonda and Ronnow for a wonderful week!!The only bad thing about our trip was that my camera wasn't working!!! For those of you who know me, my camera is literally a part of my body during our vacations. I love to take pictures and I'm sure I drive everyone crazy while doing so. :) Well, on the bright side, the Leavitt's got a reprieve from me lingering about taking pictures of them when they least expect it. I did sucker Ronnow (Bryce's dad) into taking some pictures for me, so when I get them I'll post them here for you to see.

My sewing project is finished!!

Yes!!!!! This is the best feeling---I've FINALLY finished my sewing project!!! I sewed matching dresses for Claire, Cady, and their friend Saffi. I also sewed them matching purses. I wasn't originally planning on making the purses but the pattern included it and I had leftover fabric for them. This was a lot of work, but it feels good having done it. I didn't actually dislike making them, it was just a bit stressful. I think the sleeves and zippers were the hardest part for me. It was also hard sewing this while still being a mom. I'm afraid I've been a rather crummy mom the last few days. I've really been trying to power through this. Fortunately, the girls were happy playing together (happy with a lot of intermittent arguments and tears). :) I think I'll wait a while before I start another project.

The project was a lot of work, but man I love the end result! They look so adorable in their dresses. Just don't look at any of the seams too closely. :)

Rhonda has gotten me interested in quilting projects. I didn't realize that quilting can be used in making many different little projects, not just huge blankets. Perhaps I'll make a fun purse or table runner or baby blanket. Any ideas?



Once again, what happens when I tell them to smile. :)



Twirling Princesses. The first things these girls do whenever they put on a dress is twirl in it. All three of them were spinning around like tops while I took this picture. I think they were pleased.



All dressed up. After I took the first two pictures, they went back and loaded up on bracelets and necklaces and put on their shoes. Saffi even found a crazy little head band. This is probably their most favorite activity, accessorizing.

The Zoo

We have a little local zoo that is close to our house. The zoo is free and is filled with native Minnesota animals that have been resuced. We love going here, you've probably seen posts of our trips here before. On this particular morning, we were early and needed to kill some time before the zoo actually opened. We found a cute little playground that was right next to a field of cows. Have I mentioned we enjoy watching cows? The charm has not worn off yet. :) I particularly love the barn and silohs in the background. I think this is a beautiful part of the country.


Watching the cows

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What happens when I tell them to smile for the camera. Seriously, this is why I get professional pictures taken of them in addition to the 1,000 a year that I take at home.

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Walking to the picnic area. I love the big leafy trees out here, some parts of this place remind me of good old North Carolina.