Glass By Lisa

The next few posts are REALLY old. Sorry. I forgot to publish them...enjoy:

I've been making and selling these little dudes like crazy. Just thought the blog should know so it didn't feel left out.

Conclusion: Creative outlet.


P.S. I've always had the idea of printing a stump. After a bit of research, finding the right stump (thank you wonderful husband), and a lot of work, I finally did it. Boy, oh, boy do I love it! See:

This photo was taken for my online shop, glassbylisa.bigcartel.com. I am selling prints of my beast-of-a-stump in two sizes, which is why there are two of the same prints on the wall :)

The stump is now resting peacefully in the garage taking up Tyler's parking spot.

Blue Day

After our lovely stay-cation in Lehi, we still had a few days left of spring break. So Tyler and I planned to have a 'blue day'. My good friend Steph had done this with her son a few times, only it was yellow day instead of blue. So I was able to lean on her for ideas. Simon's favorite color is blue. The morning of blue day (he knew it was coming) he woke up to blue balloons in his room. He was thrilled. We then all put on our best blue clothes and our day started.

We made blue waffles with blue syrup for breakfast. Then we went on a blue scavenger hunt. Each clue led to the next and each prize that Simon found was, of course, blue.

(searching for prizes)

(reading the clues. This was also Steph's great idea. To have the clues be a picture of where the prize was hidden so Simon could do it himself.)

(finding another prize)

(and reading another clue)

One of the prizes was blue painter's tape. We used it later that day to create ourselves a blue tape village. Simon was mostly the art director, but he thought it was awesome. Truth be told, this village is still on the wall behind me. I can't bring myself to take it down. It is such a happy thing. Plus, it's great to hear people's comments on it when they come over. We don't notice it anymore but everyone else does. It's funny to see their reactions.

Next we went on a walk for good painting rocks. Simon is a avid rock collector so I knew I could trust him with this task. We gathered a stroller full and went home to paint them blue! These rocks are still sitting on our porch and are also a conversation starter. Simon thought this activity was great and could have done it all day.

Our last event of the day was getting blue ice-cream! We headed down to Sub-Zero an had them whip us up some delicious and blue ice cream. Turns out it was cotton-candy and blueberry, and it was delicious. Who knew? (see that photo strip Simon is holding. It's from the photo booth at the Dinosaur Museum. He kept it with him for days).

That was the end of our blue day (in all different shades). As you can tell from the photo above, Elliot was obviously thrilled about everything :) We had a blast and now every time I wear a blue shirt Simon asks if it's blue day again. Love that kid. (remind me to brush my hair every now and then, gee-wiz)

Conclusion: Make memories. Make happy memories.

Staycation

Tyler is a school teacher, if you didn't know. So in April we had a free week thanks to spring break! We were tossing around a bunch of fun ideas but then settled on a stay-cation. We figured it would be much simpler (and enjoyable) with the boys. We rented a hotel near Thanksgiving point and hit all the hotspots there...which really just means the dinosaur museum.

Simon was thrilled. We took in every dino while walking through. Then when we were finished we ate some lunch and Simon asked if we could go through again! Since our stamps were still good, we headed back in and enjoyed it a second time. It was a great idea, thank you Simon boy!

We had a blast at the hotel, swimming (it should be noted that Tyler went swimming with Simon before we checked out of the hotel. Super nice guy), jumping on the beds (I can't remember if we actually did that, but I think we did), and being together. Tyler even sweet-talked the check-in dude to upgrade our room, which was nice because the boys then had their own room, and we were all able to sleep peacefully.

The experience was a blast and we plan on doing it again this summer. Destination: Salt Lake City! I know it may seem silly to vacation so close to home, but the boys love it. And I love being out of the house (which really means no cooking or cleaning).

Conclusion: Family fun time = family bonding time.

Oliva: 8 is Great

All of my nieces and nephews are generally the same age (on my side of the family). So I knew that Olivia's baptism photos would be coming up soon. Luckily, we were able to meet up in St. George to take photos of the beautiful, little girl. Want to see?

This one kills me. She is gorgeous. I mean, look at those eyes!

I really, really love my family - all of them. I can't wait to see what all these little, amazing people do in their lives. How lucky I am.

Conclusion: Clean hands, pure heart.

Improvements

These are 'working clothes' says the boy. 

My dad was SUPER patient with Simon and was constantly letting him help. At one point, Simon was between my dad's legs working. They were a sight to behold.

Look! He does stop for a break! But note, the floor under his legs is completely finished. So really, he doesn't stop till it's done.

It looks less yellow in real life. Come over, I'll show you.

Updated postcard holders and a cute baby face.

We're leaving our mark all over this house.

Bobtastic (my dad) was in town doing some work for us again. This time he installed new hardwood floor for us, updated my postcard holders, and made the bathroom leave the 90's behind (why didn't I take a before photo!). I'll be sure to update you on the bathroom once it's finished. We need to add a bit of tile. I've said it once, and I'll say it again; he does good work. See:

Conclusion: Making our house our home.

Elliot's Face As A One Year Old

Conclusion: Seriously great, don't you think?

Train To Grandma And Grandpas!

Grandpa Lewis dropped us off at the train station. We bought our tickets (kids 3 and under are free!) and waited for our train and adventure to begin!

Elliot spent most of the train ride in his car seat (my parents didn't have a carseat he could borrow so we had to bring our own) but was able to get out and stretch his legs for a bit, which he loved.

Simon was in HEAVEN. I know you can't tell from this photo, but he was thrilled the entire ride. We were able to (somehow) cart all of our belongings (we were packed for one night at my parents, and Tyler brought everything else up with him later that night. Tyler had to work late, which is why he wasn't with us. He was sad to miss it.) up to the second level, which was amazing for this little guy. His only disappointment was that the conductor didn't come by and ask for our ticket. He had his ticket in his hand for the majority of the ride.

Again, I promise he is way more excited that he looks. In this photo we are just about to pull up to the station to see Grandpa Bob. He's waiting to surprise him out the window.

The only things I would do differently is, pack less snacks (we could've fed every passanger) and sat in a train car with a bathroom. We probably could've found it, but moving from car to car with all of our stuff (i.e. a stroller) seemed like to much. Luckily, SJ held it together. He's a real champ.

Over all, this trip was a blast. It didn't seem like two hours at all. It was really nice to hold Elliot if he didn't want to be sitting anymore. Much easier than driving the 2 hours in the car. We are definitely doing this again.

Conclusion: Adventure is out there!

The First Year Of Elliot:

(Song: Nyatiti by Andrew Bird)

A few words to describe this, my baby boy: constant laughter. An explorer. Loves toys, especially his brother's. An eater. A big eater. Perfect sleeper. Not much of a snuggler. Open mouth kisser. Brother follower. Smiles for everyone. Always wants to be outdoors. Quick to learn. Our chubby, little gift from heaven.

Conclusion: What a joy this baby is.

P.S.  I let Elliot watch this when I was finished with it, and he couldn't stop waving at himself. He is awesome.

Ruby Story #24

My sweet Ruby girl got baptized. It's hard to believe he is 8 years old. Time goes by so quickly. Her day was a special day and I (along with everyone) was so proud of her. After the big event this awesome girl sang a solo. A solo! Can you believe it? I would've never done that when I was her age (or any age for that matter). Before her big day, Rube and I were able to take some photos. It was absolutely freezing outside. Ruby wasn't totally thrilled to take her coat off for these shots, but she was a good sport about it (when I told her we were done, only 30 minutes after we started, she bolted for the car). I know these could be considered cheesy, but look at her adorable face! This girl is as sweet and loving as she looks. I can't wait to see all the awesome things she accomplishes.

Conclusion: CTR

The Wind Of My Soul

Photo from our trip to Oregon, much to long ago.

Often, when I go to bed at night I wish the blinds were pulled and the window open so I could hear the wind. The wind blows constantly here on the outskirts of our mighty canyon. But, it blows in such a way that it sounds like the ocean rolling in. Have you ever listened to the ocean at night? It's a beautiful thing. I'm certain there is nothing quite like it. Sitting on cooled sand, wrapped in a blanket, listening to such a mighty force. It's dark so it's hard to make out the majesty of it, but you know it's there. You know it's powerful; its ever constant noise won't let you forget that. I can almost smell it now...

This is not what I was planning on writing about. Interesting. Back on point: I was planning on saying; often when I go to bed at night I think over my day, as I'm sure most people do, and sometimes cringe at choices I made. Times when I could've been more patient or productive. Times when I should've said this or that. Times when I should've played cars with Simon a little longer or crawled with Elliot a bit more. But, I've been trying lately to stop that habit and instead, listen to the wind. I cannot change yesterday - what's done is done. What does help is my resolve to learn, to move forward, and more importantly, allow the wind to loll me to sleep. Because after all, who is the creator of the wind? Right. Those are the thought I want to end my day with and those are the thoughts I want to awake with.

"Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on yesterdays."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Conclusion: Begin a new day with unencumbered spirit and fall asleep 'listening to the wind'.

Our Lately In Photos And Writing

Disclaimer: I can't remember the last time I lugged our actual camera around with me. I really should do that more often. Blast those camera phones!

Tyler had a birthday! I like to do things for people, especially people I love. This year for Tyler's birthday I couldn't figure out what to do or get him. Very last minute an idea dawned on me.  I called a few of our friends and asked if they'd be willing to meet us at our local waffle truck (it moves around every day and is the most delicious food you'll get out of a tuck - ever) to surprise Tyler for his birthday. Of course, all of our awesome friends were on board! The night before the surprise I delivered signs, party hats and noise makers to them. 

The surprise was a hit! Even in the snow (lots of snow). I think my favorite part about it was when the waffle truck guy said, "So who's brithday is it?" and a random lady in line said "It's Tyler's. Can't you read the signs?!" It was a fun, wintery night. Thanks to our friends (not all of them are pictured in the photo below)! We love you!

Taking children to an art museum is a lot like. . . taking children anywhere. They bolt from place to place trying to find the maximum fun in the situation. Needless to say, our visit wasn't terribly long, but it still filled a bit of the art void in my life. And if nothing else, these photos make me really happy.

Finally, a little family reading time. When we built this reading nook this is exactly what I had envisioned in my mind. Man, I love my family.

These photo only show a snippet of our life. If you were to come to our house you would probably find us in our 'house pants' (as Simon calls them, thank you Fords :) crawling around on the floor pretending  to be cows or cats (Simon's favorite game of late). We don't lead an overly exciting life. We aren't rushing from one activity to the next; we simply live. But our living is joyful and filled with laughter.

I read a quote the other day that said something to the effect that there is nothing wrong with leading a calm life. That thought has really resinated with me. I'm pretty sure we will never live in another country or even out of the state of Utah. We probably won't own a cabin in the woods with a stream near by. We won't take yearly cruises to exotic places. We probably won't ever live in a building with a doorman. And we won't own all the latest flare. We may not ever stand out in a crowd, but that's okay. It's okay because I love us, and I love that we love each other. We have a happy, simple life. A happy, simple life for which I am very grateful.

Conclusion: There is really nothing wrong with leading a calm life.