Guest Blogger: Kimsey

I have spoken about Sassy Scoops before. They have even featured The R House Couture a few times! (including in their Valentine's Day Round-up going on right now--get a 10% off coupon code!)

In case you haven't heard by now, Sassy Scoops is looking for ONE more Sassy to join their team. You heard that right. One. I have known for some time that Lindsey would make a great Sassy. As we discussed over work Tuesday night, somehow or another the idea of a conjoined twin came to mind. At first it was just a joke, but it snowballed into actual glitter, unicorns, diet Coke and Snuggie goodness.

Then, the forces of the universe invented a new persona of bliss and wonder.

KIMSEY KIMSEY KIMSEY



Yes, it's ridiculously awesome, I know.

Yes, Lindsey and I both have glitter stuck to our eye balls. Yes, it would have been better with Leisha in it (Leisha is not so much into blogging ...but she IS into being the birthday girl today! happy birthday, Leisha!) Yes, we are probably disqualified because there are two people in the audition if we are getting technical (although the posted rules said nothing about persons joined at the hip!), but the persona of KIMSEY is worth it!


So, want to help us win? It's sooooo easy.

1. Go to the Sassy Scoops Facebook Page. (You will have to 'like' it to participate.) This also means that you will have to have a Facebook page to vote--which means Lindsey' mom won't be able to vote for us seeing as she hates Facebook. (Is she winning your sympathy vote yet?) My mom however has recently found the light and indeed likes our video on the Sassy Scoops Facebook Page.
2. Click on the 'Just Others' tab.
3. The above video will show up. If you feel so inclined, 'LIKE' our video--that's how you cast your vote.

As of right now we are in the lead ...because we are the only entry! HA! But, seriously, if you support rule bending (spirit of the law!), persons joined at the hip, diet coke, unicorns, glitter and snuggies--well then--your vote seems pretty clear.

Do it for the children.

Voting ends on Valentine's Day. Don't worry, I won't be harassing you for your vote for too long.

...and glitter.

***Edited to say that if indeed Kimsey must be disqualified and the Sassies can only take one winner, I truly think it should be Mrs. R. She is a great lady and would make a super wonderful Sassy.***

Yearbook 2010: March

The past week and a half has been crazy. Apologies for not blogging. I have wanted to, but by the end of the days I am beat and hitting the sack. Today? Battling a migraine, but I had some work I had to get done before I lay back down for another nap.

The following photos are from March of last year. Wow, almost a year ago. The last year just flew by in a blink. I cannot believe it.

Some of my favorite photos are in true black and white. I can't get enough of true black and white film. The depth is incredible.

A fun little vacation we took spur of the moment last year. We hit WPPI in Vegas and then spent a few days in St. George. Man, if I could afford a house and could have enough work to sustain me in southern Utah, I would move there in an instant.

A rarity. I have a handful of photos of me with all of my babies. So rare in fact, I should sell a copy of it on eBay.

One that Joth took. A little blurry, but again, a rarity around here.

eau

My grandparents were married here. If I could, I would go back in time and this is the temple I would be sealed in. No ifs, ands or buts. Truly, I would elope and just go.

Such a beautiful place.

There is no need to tell you how rare this is either. Love that I have it. Love.

Okay, so remember two Sundays ago it was my birthday? Well, the plan was to do some giveaways on my birthday week. Then some people died and all of that got thrown out the window. Stay tuned tomorrow (crossies) as I have one of two beautiful giveaways for you. You won't want to miss out on the fun.

In the mean time...tell me about your favorite 'last minute' vacation you took with your family. I'd love some ideas because spring is almost here and I am itching to get out of this place.

xo

Heber Valley Railroad North Pole Express

Last week my family and I had and amazing opportunity to drive to Heber to ride the North Pole Express.

We eagerly arrived at 15 minutes to spare before the train boarded. I didn't tell the kids where we were going. I think childhood needs to be FULL of surprises. When we arrived the kids were ecstatic and over joyed to be in such a magical place.

We sat in the very front of our car. I wished later that we had been more toward the middle, as I felt like that is where all of the action was.

The train was decorated beautifully for the Christmas holiday. We were given cookies and hot cocoa (that was THE perfect temperature, even Millz was able to partake). Our hostess was such a delight. She led us in singing Christmas songs. The classics. Like, "Up on the Housetop" and "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer". There were stories like T'was the Night Before Christmas and funny elf jokes. Even Hubbs got in on the action.

Mrs. Claus even made an appearance. She sat down with my kids and gave us her secret special recipe for Christmas cookies.

Then the big moment arrived. We stopped at the North Pole. My kids, along with about 7 other kids piled into one seat to catch a glimpse of Santa. During the huge pile I hear someone exclaim, "Ew! Someone farted!" After which the seat cleared out to about 3 kids. I'm guessing the farter stayed, because, my kids were still sitting near the window waving at Santa. Yes, it was my kid. My oldest kid if you must know. (On the way back he shared his goodness as he was sitting next to me.) Sigh.

Santa boarded the train and we were off. He sang some songs to the kids, ran up and down the isle (but didn't quite make it to us). Then he took time to talk to each girl and boy. He didn't ask my kids what they wanted, but we did get to take a photo with him, which was so so so fun for Joth and Memms. Millz was a little freaked out, which is completely normal at her age.

Santa gave each child a wooden top. Which Millz promptly put in her mouth.

We arrived safely back to the station. The kids were on cloud nine. The Christmas spirit had bitten them. We finished up the night with a visit to Dairy Keen, where the train whooshed around above our heads reminding us of the train ride that night.

Want to give your kids the magical experience of the North Pole Express? Here's how.

Families Experience a Magical Holiday Journey Aboard The North Pole Express

Heber Valley Railroad’s “North Pole Express” Gives a New Twist to a Family Tradition

HEBER CITY, Utah — Heber Valley Railroad’s “North Pole Express” is a magical journey Utah families will treasure this holiday season. As a new twist on an old tradition, the North Pole Express will feature a live reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” a classic holiday favorite that will come to life as families enjoy a festive ride to the North Pole.

Guests aboard the North Pole Express will enjoy singing carols, sipping hot chocolate and eating cookies while reading along or listening to the “The Night Before Christmas.” Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa and his sleigh will greet the children and give each child a special Christmas gift.

Tickets are now on sale for this popular holiday train, which is a long-standing tradition for thousands of Utah families. First class service is available most weekends during the North Pole Express schedule. Due to the high demand for tickets, the Heber Valley Railroad is offering two matinee excursions on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 23-24, 2010.

The North Pole Express will depart every Monday through Saturday through December 24, 2010.

Nightly Excursions

• Depart 5 p.m.; return 6:30 p.m.
• Depart 7:30 p.m.; return 9 p.m.

Matinee Excursions (December 23-24 only)

• Depart 2 p.m.; return 3:30 p.m.

Schedule and Fares

Family Night: December 1, 2, 6, 13

• $29 adult, $26 senior (ages 60 and above), $18 child (ages 3-12)

Coach: December 3, 4, 7-11, 14-18, 20-23

• $32 adult, $29 senior (ages 60 and above), $21 child (ages 3-12)

First Class: December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 20-23

• $47 adult, $44 senior (ages 60 and above), $36 child (ages 3-12)

Matinee: December 23, 24

• $29 adult, $26 senior (ages 60 and above), $18 child (ages 3-12)

Tickets can be purchased by calling SmithsTix at 800-888-TIXX, by calling the railroad at 435-654-5601, online at www.HeberValleyRailroad.org, or at the Heber Valley Depot, 450 South 600 West, Heber City. For more information and directions, contact the Heber Valley Railroad at 435-654-5601 or visitwww.HeberValleyRailroad.org.

**Full disclosure: My family was given free tickets to ride the train. This post and the opinions contained herein are my own.**

Happy Halloween, er uh...Thanksgiving!

So, I have had these photos for a few weeks, but with the busy season lots of things have been neglected, things like my own photos, my blog, and the dishes. (Although I don't care much about the dishes.)

This year we got to go trick or treating on Mr. J's birthday. He was super adorable in his racecar driver costume. He was so excited about wearing it, in fact he did for a few weeks before the big day. Memmy chose to be a witch again. She was a witch when she was 2. I always hope they will choose something new and exciting, but I also love for them to choose for themselves, so a witch she was. A cute and adorable witch at that. Zilly was Little Bo Peep. Oh my goodness, I just want to kiss on her all day long. That little face of hers. Gah.

We went and visited grandparents that day, and went trick or treating at the mall. Where are those photos you ask? Well, I only brought the Polaroid and my lens broke after the first photo I took. I was SO bummed but super thankful that I had taken these shots before leaving.

When we got home that night all prepped to make Jobb's cake, but he got sick...SUPER sick for a few days and we weren't able to make his 'cake' (really brownies that he chooses every year...) until a few days later.

Here he is feeling MUCH better and ready to blow out his seven candles:

Love you buddy. Hope this is one of your best years yet.

Never ending summer.

Aren't you loving this never ending summer? (At least here in Utah it is staying blissfully warm.) I like it like that. Where there is just the teensiest bit of chill in the morning and in the evening that is letting you know fall is on its way. But, it can take it's time.

Some photos from the past few weeks.

All taken on a Yashica Mat24G the SUPER close up ones were with the CRAPPIEST close up filters I have ever seen. I swear they are made of plastic or something. The film? Some OLD Kodak Portra 400NC I got from THE Ryan Muirhead. His work is bomb...you should check it out. Anyway, the older film gets the more whack the color is. Hence why these look so...well, whack. But all is well, I love them all, for their plastic-lensy feel and for the subjects. I think they turned out beautifully and truly express how I am feeling these days. Like the summer, I never want these days to end.

Hope you all have a BLISSFUL weekend. I have an amazing session in the morning and then I am free to spend it with the ones I love. Hope you can too.

Enjoy.

xoxo

New York: Part 5 Statue of Liberty

Advice and things we did while waiting to visit Miss Liberty. (In no particular order.)

Get there EARLY. As in, 6:00 a.m. to stand in line early. (Or so is the word on the street.) Or else stand in a REALLY long line for 4 hours, and MAYBE get a chance to see her.

Be super disappointed when finding out they only give out 3,000 tickets daily to go any farther than the height of the island. We got to stay on said island while we watched hundreds of people enjoy her feet. (Sorry Sam, I couldn't get your shot because we were shunned to the ground.)

If you want to hang with the cool kids, get your tickets here, so you can go to the crown and see the statue as she was meant to be seen.

The wisest man I have ever met in my life was selling water to the hot and huddled masses standing in said line of death. He must be a millionaire.

Sit on the benches if someone can hold your place in line. Make sure to sit by someone wearing a beautiful Sari.

Try to divert the attention of your children from the 90 degree weather and 70% humidity by letting them get super dirty and pick up rocks, sticks, and pull the seeds out of the tree pods. Then take photos of all of those things so they can remember them.

Look down at the ground. There is a lot of spit out gum on the sidewalks of New York City, and really pretty sewer covers. Wait, can sewer covers be pretty?

Get teary when seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time, up close from the ferry.

Take a rare family photo with the New York City skyline behind you. And thank film because you can actually see the skyline.

Edit photos of New York on a gray background in photoshop, because if you use black, you will see the negative on your scans. Oops.

Lastly, take a photo of your kids in front of Miss Liberty. You may have to lay on the ground on all of that gum we discussed (because of the lack of a wider angle lens) but it will be worth it. See their smiles and be thankful you came. Five hour trip and all.

I sure am.