Home-Made Parade

OK, Normally I wouldn't post photos of myself unless I DON'T look absolutely stupid, but I'm breaking all the rules. First, no lying in my posts. Now, ugly self portraits . . . but I had so much fun participating in this parade with the girls, I'm sharing ALL.

First, Emily's oldest gave me 3 flags to wave AND an Umbrella. So one flag went in each back pocket, to be shaken and shimmied with my "Hips Don't Lie" moves. Her little daughter picked out a lovely hat for me, just enhancing how FAT my head is.

Then, we "Paraded" around the living room and the girls tossed candy at their parents, true to Alaskan Parade Form. In fact, the basket of candy came from previously attended parades attended by the girls.

Then, we all laughed and ate the chocolate, while trying to pawn the nasty candy off on the kids.

Alaskan Cuties

I've been in Alaska one day and it's been wonderful!! Emily and I stayed up WAY to late and then, she let me sleep in until 11am. Or I should say, her girls did. They are so sweet and cute (and that's true EM!)


She noticed, as we talked last night, that I tell a lot of lies on my blog. I'd tell her something and she'd quietly bring up that I misrepresented the facts on a previous post. So, I'm turning over a new leaf of HONESTY. For this post.

This was Little Miss Cutie's response to telling her that suckers turn her teeth black.

Miss Adorable and her poochie, Charles. Chuck wears doggie diapers and that's no lie.

Miss Cutie is still not sure if my photographer jokes are appropriate, although telling her that her daddy's feet are stinky did elicit a giggle.

Emily is a mean mom. She hasn't introduced her kids to WEBKINZ, although Miss Adorable has one (the toy in the middle). She just doesn't know that she can play "online" with her toy. Wait, maybe Emily doesn't fully understand the free babysitting this type of toy can provide. We'll have something new to talk about tonight.

Miss Cutie is finally warming up to my odd sense of humor. Sort of.

Miss Adorable is a natural poser. I think I see a modeling career for this one, in the future.

Her sister will be a tough rival, in the fashion business. Or maybe the hairdressing business. I got them both to do my hair for about an hour today. This is my type of vacation . . . two little servant girls brushing my hair for a whole hour. HEAVEN.

Miss Adorable in her outfit for 1st grade. She and my Katrina are the same age and I really hope they'll get to meet each other. Emily is talking about coming to visit ME next spring.

"AND SHE BETTER BRING ME TO AUNT SARAH'S! OR I'LL TELL EVERYONE ABOUT THE ZIPPER INCIDENT!"

"If I sit around here looking cute, I'm sure Mom will bring me. I'm just too dang adorable for words."

Finally, a full smile. Ahh, life on vacation is good. The kids like me and they don't drive me crazy, since they aren't my own!

Devouring Books

Here I am, in Alaska, and I had SOO much time to blog and read. . . it took 8 hours just to get here!

I've found more to add to my "Favorite Books Ever" Shelfari list: Before Green Gables (A Prequel to Anne of Green Gables) by Budge Wilson. I 'heart' Anne Shirley and this book really does justice to her beginnings. It's a very sweet read that transports you back for a little more of her lovely story. If you adore Anne, you'll love this book.

Another I read is #6 in The Sisters Grimm Series by Michael Buckley. I started this series Feb. 07, on the way to NYC and have anxiously awaited each installment. I love fantasy and these books are delightful. They are about adventurous sisters (desendants of the Grimm Brothers) who live amongst all the Fairy Tale Characters in the modern times. These characters are always getting into mischief and the Sisters put them in their place. Now I'll have to wait at least 6 more months for book #7!!

I'll report on more books as the week goes by, but also, I'll be sending you some SWEET photos of Alaska. . .

Goodbye Home, Hello Alaska!

Well folks, today I am taking a vacation from all my vacations! After Girls Camp, The Pioneer Handcart Trek and various family trips, I need a break all my myself . . . so I'm off to Alaska again.

I'll be visiting my BFF, Emily and her cute daughters. I'll be selling cotton candy with them this weekend at a local fair. It really is fun therapy to make, sell and taste test the stuff. And Emily is always creating new flavors and packaging, that I feel obligated to give my opinions on. I do love giving my opinions.

Then, Emily and I are headed to our hometown, Valdez . . . I'm sure I'll tear up as I see it again. It's been 14 years and I really have missed it, so much! I hope to take a ton of photos and post each night about my adventures . . . keep checking back for new posts!

Trek Recap!

I didn't take many pictures of the Pioneer Handcart Trek that Damian and I just went on. I took some on the bus. When we arrived in Bing Canyon, I found there were photography people there, following us all, documenting the experience. I had so many other responsibilities, I packed my camera away (after it got wet the first day!!) .

This lovely gal is one of my "daughers," Bella. She and I worked on her pioneer outfits, so that they corresponded with her school colors. She was a walking advertisement for South High, and was so cute. She worked really hard to go on the Trek, and also kept the same pace, while on the Trek. I'm very proud of her.

Cali, my littlest "daughter" and her best friend were so excited, starting out at 4am ~ in their cute pioneer clothes. They giggled their way into all our hearts and we all loved Cali's cute enthusiasm. When we were asked to pull her IN the handcart to intesify our experience, we were all happy to do it. She is a joy, with the sweetest personality.

The little girls fell asleep pretty soon after we left, on the bus. I think they're even cuter, asleep!

Too bad these three didn't sleep more, ha, ha! AJ and McKayla on the right were 2 of my "kids." What fun they were. AJ was our Oxen. He pulled that handcart the WHOLE time, never taking a break, not even to button his shirt, as it came undone, repeatedly, BY ITSELF! Talk about a work ethic, he's unstoppable!

McKayla was a powerhouse, too. These are two of my favorite kids, so much fun and so smart. For example, AJ spent a lot of time making new friends and learning a new language. A "mother" can only be so proud. McKayla spent tons of time looking out for her "sister" Megan . . . chaperoneing, really. Thanks to you two, our family was the most popular 'hang out' place in the whole camp!

Megan and her boyfriend, dancing to some FUN pioneer music. If anyone can liven up a family, it's Megan. She was really a great "daughter" and worked really hard to help her Ma & Pa. She is obedient and creative. She and McKayla planned a skit where they both fit inside one of Megan's dresses, as Siamese Twins. They were pretty hilareous.

These two were our Big Brother & Big Sister, Ammon and Jenny. I couldn't have asked for better leaders to help motivate all the other kids. Ammon was the other Ox in the family. He encouraged everyone and treated everyone with kindness and strong leadership. Jenny was the quiet, sweet influence that our family needed. She hung back with anyone who needed a break, or needed to check on a blister. Her calm, encouraging ways kept us all working hard. I am so thankful that Julie Doll put these two with our family. I know she was inspired by Heavenly Father to do so and I'm very grateful.

Jaime, another trek "Son" had his share of challenges. He had severe anxiety about coming on the trek, and threw up 6 times, the first day. Once he got the routine down, he was able to push and feel good about what we were doing, especially the last hour of the Trek, when he saw an end in site! He was fun to be around, with his silly personality. We were also grateful that he ALWAYS went to bed RIGHT after dinner. If only some of our other "kids" could have followed his example, I would have gotten a lot more sleep!!

We played and worked HARD together, the boys looked out for their "sisters" with quiet strength, and the kids were altogether obedient and good. I was so proud of them and all that they achieved. We felt spiritually uplifted and renewed in our faith, together.

I must say, I would take these kids ANYWHERE, but give me a mini-van, over a handcart, please! You can see our last "Son," Diego, in the passenger seat. What a good young man he is, and he worked really hard, all 18 miles that we walked and pushed!

Thanks to all of my wonderful Trek Kids, I'll miss being your Ma. You can expect a body crushing hug, when I see you at other activities. And I'll smell much better, than I did on the Trek, I promise!