VICKI WALKER...

Finally Someone Did A Study...SO TRUE

2012-01-23T13:31:00.000-08:00

Facebook: Friends’ Happy Pictures Make You Sad

ABC News’ Matthew Rosenbaum and Ned Potter Report:
There are plenty of reasons to feel down in today’s fast-paced, hectic world, and you wouldn’t think that the world’s most popular social networking site would be one of them. But that’s exactly what a new study at Utah Valley University has found.
According to the study, Facebook is making us sad. Why? It’s all about the kinds of pictures people to post on their pages.
Facebook photos generally depict smiling, cheerful people having good times, conveying a sense of happiness. Of course everyone likes to smile for the camera, so that good cheer may be inflated or false. As others view the photos, they may believe this conveyed sense of intense happiness is real, making them think that their friends are much happier than they are.
Sociologist Hui-Tzu Grace Chou said the study was inspired by her own experience: “Several years ago I started using Facebook because people invited me,” she said in a telephone interview, “and I started to realize my friends on Facebook looked really happy. That made me curious.”
Chou and Nicholas Edge interviewed 425 students, asking them whether they agreed or disagreed with such statements as “Many of my friends have a better life than me,” and “Life is fair.”
They also asked about the students’ Facebook usage, including how many “friends” they had on the site, and how many of those friends were really people they knew.
After controlling for race, gender, religious beliefs and whether the volunteers were unattached or in a relationship, the researchers saw a pattern: The more time students spent on Facebook, the more they thought others had it better than they did.
“Those who have used Facebook longer agreed more that others were happier, and agreed less that life is fair, and those spending more time on Facebook each week agreed more that others were happier and had better lives,” wrote Chou and Edge. “Furthermore, those that included more people whom they did not personally know as their Facebook “friends” agreed more that others had better lives.”
The study, which was published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, also found that people who spent less time socializing with friends in cyberspace and more time socializing with them in real life were less likely to report they were unhappy.
“We’re not aware of the bias we have,” said Chou. “On Facebook we present ourselves at our best. People are affected and they don’t realize it.”
So if you are looking for a way to cheer yourself up, the researchers say you may do well to log off. Call your best friend instead.

Vicki's conclusion:
In my opinion, this is even more intensified with us blog watchers. It is not that people deliberately are trying to deceive....It is just simply, who is going to do a blog post on how unhappy they are or about the money they owe the IRS? As a blogger we try to look at the glass-half-full version of our lives and then hopefully that is really the way you start to see it. As much as it is common sense, it really is hard to not look at other blogs and think someone is more creative, more happy, has 40 hours in every day, is more successful etc.

Let it be known:
Vicki Walker is a nut case. Vicki Walker has dirty bathrooms, messy closets and dog-doo on her lawn. Vicki Walker looks very scary with her make-up off...and Do Not ask her how old she is. Vicki Walker has problems with her kids. Vicki Walker is trying to hang on in this recession. BUT Vicki Walker is grateful as life plays out for all the lessons she is learning.

Amen. xo

If He's Ok...I am Ok.

2012-01-20T19:50:00.000-08:00

I guess you could say that I have been hibernating from my blog.

There have been some things going on that have knocked the wind out of me and I just haven't felt like talking about parties, crafts or cupcakes. One of those things is that my Dad has been battling cancer and going through surgeries and treatments. He has had these weird kind of cancerous tumors under the skin on his face and they have been carving him up. He has maintained his usual humorous demeanor despite the rest of us. If this were happening to me, I would not leave the house
and be drowning in self-pity.
He just had surgery again...(and kinda looks like the Joker right now) and even still he wants to go out to dinner, the movies, church and the store bandaged like a "mummy-head" with raccoon eyes.

Yesterday he went to the grocery store with my mom and she told me that
everyone was staring at him.
When they got back to the car, he said to her,
"Man, I still GOT it! Did you see all those women staring at me since I lost all this weight?"

I just can't stop giggling everytime I think of it. How is it some people cope so well with crisis,
and others don't?

Well I decided if he can cope, I sure should be able to. So Cupcake-Vicki is back.

humpht.

As The Tree Comes Down.

2012-01-04T22:56:00.000-08:00

It was an amazing Christmas and the end of a humbling

and tearful year. We had less presents, less decorations,

and more love. Funny how that works.

We hiked the Santa Rosa Plateau as a family..

Kenz taught us how to make Sushi one night..

The highlight was our Nativity Scene. Our little Maryabsolutely adored her baby...all day...and he was delighted with her as well.

We opened presents slowly and ooohed and awwwed over eachone.

And made gingerbread houses..

I don’t need to post pictures of my decorations....They werejust a variation on last year...but

Haley and I did reinvent her room...cuzafter-all, she is soooo sophisticated you know.

I did try a few new things as you can see above.

Isimplified things and I think I liked it that way!

Lots of cuddling.

There was the Brutsch tradition of lighting a pine tree withreal candles and singing Christmas Hymns...and then to Gram's and Gramp's housefor treats.

And most of all we reflected on how blessed we all are tohave one another and the blessing of the birth of the Christ child.

Merry Christmas my dear friends...if I can still say that onJanuary 4th as the Tree is coming down!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !

2011-11-27T16:14:00.001-08:00

It was a quiet

Thanksgiving--

Our numbers were few...

and the pie was plentiful.

Happy Bday T..

2011-11-06T20:21:00.000-08:00

Fun weekend for all...

This was the true guest of honor!

Kida Halloween 2011

2011-10-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

KiDA is a truly amazing school for

the treatment of children with Autism. I have been
doing most of their events now for 3 years.
I really had fun doing this year's Halloween event.

It was a new site and I was

able to add some new things to my

Halloween collection.

Blake was my helper this year.

He was so sweet, it warmed my heart.
(Notice Lauren's cool popcorn holder. Such a hit.)
Blake was the popcorn maker the whole party.

A few entry pictures -- the check-in table.

I had so much to do to create a theme in this huge space

and it was a clean slate with all new furnishings and fixtures.

Welcome Boys and Gouls...

(and Danielle if you are reading this...notice one of your Christmas presents. I just borrowed
these dress forms I bought for your showroom. Surprise! You got Lots of comments)

I put Blake in charge of doing the

Spook alley. The mummy aliens had lighted beating hearts.

We had lots of activities and games as usual.
I spent weeks making personalized party bags, popcorn
cones, baskets FULL of prizes...

Inside and outside...we had over 200 people.

The food tables were pretty cool if I do say so myself.

Notice the skull cake from Whole Foods. Yummmm.

The dry ice didn't photograph so well.

Who would think I would have so much scary,

Gothic-y stuff. I was teasing Blake about how one

Halloween, he didn't think my decorations were scary enough so he said, "Mom, maybe Ronnie's mom can help you. She knows how to make things look REALLY SCARY."

HUMPHT -- you notice I still remember that comment. haha

There was of course a CANDY TABLE.

As busy as the day was, I kept thinking how much I

wished the little ones that I love so much could enjoy it.

...And how I wish Ronnie's mom could see it.
haha.

Miss Me...?

2011-10-19T16:40:00.001-07:00

This is just a little note to say I am still alive and kicking. To be perfectly honest, I have been busy, yes, but more than anything, I have been struggling with a few things that make blogging seem unimportant right now. I am working on my yearly Halloween Party for KIDA and will post pictures next week. Love to you all. xo

I Almost forgot Seattle.

2011-09-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

I have been home for 4 weeks and

forgot to post these.

A few shots from my trip into the

city and a visit with my Dad's

first cousin.

Pike Place market...coulda stayed for a lot longer.

Call it EDGY.

2011-09-19T22:43:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a pretty exclusive event for the past few months.

So exclusive in fact, I wasn't allowed to take many pictures, due to privacy.

In fact the secret service was even there.

(Just stating the facts ma'am.)

I got to work with a chef that just blew my mind.

There was a wine paired with each course.

My tables had so many wine glasses and silverware

to support the menu, there was hardly room for a centerpiece!

The client had THIS request:

Business chic, sophisticated and EDGY.

THE MENU.
(my metallic handmade paper is always a dead giveaway.)


I LOVED the florist too. I learned so much.

We chose all asymmetrical flower arrangements
And each course had a square plate of various size
and texture. His presentation was so creative.

Planet Beauty donated all the favors...so I used their ribbon in the presentation.
Kida (Kids Institute for Development and Advancement)

We had these Pashminas for all of the ladies.

(It gets cold after dark!)
It was a nice touch if I do say so myself.

(And very well received.) Ikea $12.99

The evening was set outside on the cliffs of
Corona Del Mar.

These are some of the flower arrangements that were done in actually very large-scale Baccarat Crystal.

After months of meetings and work, it is hard to believe these are all the pictures I got. No one is going to believe how amazing it really was.And...Edgy...of course. (ha)

Little Women...on Fox Island

2011-09-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, every summer we would go to

Seattle where my parents grew up and visit 3 weeks with family.
We always made a visit to the McNab's beach house on
Fox Island.

Now that we are Grammas and basically the old folk,
my sister and I, with our 2 McNab cuzzins,
decided to have a girls' weekend just like old times.
One of my vivid memories is of their Madame Alexander "Little Women" dolls that I coveted. (anyone else read the book "Little Women?")
Just like the whole beach house, very little had changed...
and the "Little Women" Dolls were still on display.

One afternoon, we took them out, (so funny) and tried to decide
which one each of us would be. Each of us was going to have our picture taken with that doll. I got a business call in the middle of it and when I got back from taking my call, my sister told me,
"Hey Vic, because you weren't here, you get to be the one that DIES, Beth." hahaha.

This is my sis, Sheri. (She always makes me be the dead people in make believe.)
Remember "OLE JED IS DEAD" Sher, when we would play "Oklahoma"
sing along? (Such persecution...I still love ya.)

Sheri and Leslie did more reading and enjoying of the cabin.
Michale Ann and I did more exploring and daily blackberry picking.
Well, and I cannot be modest...I made the BEST daily blackberry cobbler
EVERY stinkin day!

Note: Leslie's 6 mo old Pom. He was great entertainment.

Exploration partner cousin Michale Ann...

I was so fascinated with how much sealife is on the beach as the tide
goes in and out. Mussels, TONS of sand-dollars, jellyfish, anenomes, clams, crabs, etc. are scattered everywhere! Each morning was a new adventure.
And there is the phenomenon of CLAY BABIES. These occur only on rare
beaches with just the right conditions: a clay bed with the right gentle slope, right tide conditions, right amount of sun etc. etc. It is so cool how you can find so many
wierd shapes. Lauren asked me to bring her some so I collected her "family." Notice I even brought her soon-to-be-here baby!

We made amazing food...SO much seafood. This was our Seafood Chowder meal.

I was overwhelmed by the beauty, EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKED.

We had so much fun, we decided we would love to do this again next year...but this time we want our mothers, the original sisters to come along.

One of them can be Marmee, the mother of the Little Women,

and maybe I will let the other one be Beth (yes she died at the end of the book.)

ha.

Austin and Laura.

2011-08-19T20:29:00.001-07:00

I Love Summer.
Because summer is so chalked full of weddings...
I helped my dear friend Ann with the reception for her first to leave her nest!
Absolutely beautiful home to work with, huh?

(I enjoyed using succulents in the arrangements.)
So much texture.
Amazing food, beautiful couple, stunning garden affair !

Finished....Just In Time!

2011-08-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

At LONG LAST!
This little DIY project was a little more
involved than I anticipated.
I haven't done tile work since my 20s...
and I did my share these past couple of weeks.
AND hung every picture, and did all the painting,
Ok, Ed helped me install the vanities.
I will stop patting myself on the back now.

I am in a silver phase right now. I have been
using Silver-leaf on every frame I have
in storage to update and reuse.
Haley, I used Matisse prints since you
are so sophisticated now. ha.
SO I AM READY FOR YOU TO COME HOME
AND BE SOPHISTICATED
WITH ME.

Next project? The Garage.
Not nearly as much fun. sigh.

PS. Thank you to Jeff Cuny Plumbing Extraordinare.
Moving toilets is not my thang.
And
TCON for all the help with the Demolition!

My New Bowls.

2011-08-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

Funny how it works.

At least with me.
One little thing gets me started/inspires me,
and next thing I know
I have practcally built a new house around it.

Well I got these cool, hand-hewn bowls in Nashville
last weekend, so I changed up my breakfast room
just so I could enjoy them.
Funny me.

I made these napkin rings and don't
you just love these little cupcake pedestals
from Martha?

My new florist friend got me started on
these bamboo starters. They are so
fast growing and hearty, you only have to put them in distilled water
and change the water every 4 months or so.
So easy.

Just waiting for my girls to come home next weekend.
Maybe we will actually eat in here.
Ha.

Lost My Mojo.

2011-07-27T21:30:00.000-07:00

I dunno what happened.
Too much book work. Not enough creative stuff going on.
Well this is my current project.
Haley's bathroom. That and dusting every dang day because
there is always white dust everywhere.
SO HALEY LOOKIE AT THIS.
When you visit in a few weeks, I hope I have it
all done!
xoxoxo

Sheer Elegance.

2011-07-20T00:04:00.001-07:00

Sadly this Photo is not true to my color scheme for this
truly elaborate event I am designing.
My palette is white, accented with cobalt blue and fushia, primarily from the mounds of orchids we are going to have everywhere.
I am so excited about
the white suede chairs, mirrored 12' long Parsons Tables
mixed with a few round tables with white linen and Mirrored tops.
The signature china is absolutely stunning!
This one is keeping me busy...and I hope
the pictures will do it justice!

Happy.

2011-07-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

I had a friend say to me once,
"And just what is happy?
Is it the few real times of joy mixed in with the
normal grind?"

Well this weekend was
Happy.

These babies make me so happy.
We met Lauren and Ben with the kids in the Danish town of
Solvang--(nice drive up the coast.)
We experienced small town life,
went to an Ostrich farm...so funny..no scratch that -
This was OSTRICHLAND,
watched the 4th of July parade and fireworks,
shopped...and ate lots and lots of pastry!

Bicycle Surrey built for 6.

I bought this tattered, vintage quilt at a consignment shop there...
(How I love things that have a history!)

We ate lunch at "PEA SOUP ANDERSEN'S"
(the best split pea soup ever, even if you don't like peas.)

I actually designed the restaurant and guestroom renovation
25 years ago! It was so funny to see it. ( I think it actually had
the same carpet. hmm.)

Ed did 2 rounds of golf...Ben cycled a bit...and this is what they
thought of our shopping. ha.

So what if we had to check every candy shop in town.

SOOO nice to have daughters. So nice to have daughters that like
to shop. Gots me a few of those.

And another one "in training."

Happy.

Oh and one sidenote to the ultimate
love expression from Luci.

These are a few little dolls I gave her. She named them:
Cason....Luci....and..... "Baby Damma."

A New Rug And A Can of Paint.

2011-06-22T23:14:00.000-07:00

I received a couple of emails about my last post on redecorating and

I think I need to reiterate...I am a cheapskate ladies!

When I get bored and start changing everything,

it is a game to me: (these are the rules)

-Use as many things as possible that you already have

-Paint is the absolute cheapest and biggest component for change

-If you are a trendy person who enjoys change, don't spend much money,

OR YOU WILL FEEL REALLY WASTEFUL AND GUILTY LATER!

So I decided to change up my office/design room since I spend so

much time in there. I hit Pier One and got this rug.

And then started cleaning out clutter and painting red accents.

(Notice the painting...I painted the ladies coat red. And the 3 abstract

paintings were a Picaso experiment of mine--I painted over this canvas to get the colors I wanted. I actually painted the glass on the small ones.

Vogue triplet picture...? Blue and red in the middle...me again.

The chair--red paint and then I used old fabric samples to re-cover

the seat and a few throw pillows...

I hung my tools as art...even painted my 20 year old paper cutter.

I used scrapbook paper to line this trunk and cover these envelope

boxes filled with art supplies.

This may be too much information...but just didn't want anyone thinking
I was out shopping my empty-nestness away..!
The fun is in the challenge of getting something "new" for almost nuttin!

When Things Start Getting Unsure...Just Decorate.

2011-06-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

My way of self-soothing is to organize and decorate.
The girls were leaving...one week to go. Vicki was bummed.
So I got Haley to help me paint her room..."So it will look
fresh and clean when you come home." And that led to sewing
pillows...and covering chairs and bedding and re-framing things.
And then after-all, it was not fair for Kenz...
so we needed to jazz up her room too.
I still didn't feel better.
Then we left for Utah, and had to decorate their apartment.
(Haley is breaking Kenz in this summer term.
Isn't that sweet? Then they split up for fall)

So we decorated and organized all weekend
and now I am home...
alone.
I think I better start working on my room,
Maybe that will make me feel better..?

Hay's room at home--ya it is fresh all right. And empty.

And Kenzie's clean room.
I should make it my sewing room or sumpin.

And this is where I left them.

Hay's room...Yes I made them sit up and pose for this picture.
Lastly, Kenzie's room.
She wasn't missing home when I left...not even looking back.

The jury is still out on
"will she make her bed?" ha

Golf Balls and Green Apples !

2011-06-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

We went to Modesto this weekend
To Do my darling niece's wedding.
Tenille and Shea Rollins.
He is a golf pro - so the reception
was at his beautiful club.
What better color scheme for a golf club?
Green, Grey, Black and White.
I loved how it turned out.
Haley, Kenz and I had so much fun
working with Tenille and Marie and Sharece,
making it all happen!

This is what I came up with for the guestbook and then
she can store all the cards in this nifty little
box.

The food was amazing..!

And the view out the windows was breathtaking.

Some patient and generous family friends did the Bride
and Groom's Cake.
A total surprise to the groom,
Tenille presented this 6' by 3' (to scale)
model of the course.
SOOO COOL.
They made the cake knife with one
of his golf grips!

We had her favorite flower, Bells of Ireland, everywhere.

We used the silver vase idea again,
and they were perfect.

The "Bride's money dance."
I made this little bag for all those
big bills.
Isn't her dress exquisite?

Lastly, my best helpers...who will do anything
I ask them to do...(usually something I don't want to do, ha)
with hardly any rolled eye looks!

PS. I teased Marie all weekend, that she better start making apple butter with
all those apples !

IT HAPPENS. THEY GRADUATE.

2011-05-29T21:26:00.001-07:00

No one wants to hear me brag.
We all have great kids. I know.
But Kenz, I just gotta say, you made me so proud this year.
She even spoke at graduation cuz she was Sr. Class President.
(you know Kenz...that means you plan the 10 year reunion!
I already have an idea for your centerpieces...haha.)

Haley was invited as "Distinguished Alumni" on the field
to congratulate the graduates as they came off
the podium. Here she is tackling her sister.

People mix them up allllll the time.
When Kenz got to grad night, they gave her a
volunteer badge because the adults thought
she was Haley!

All of us freezing people greet our new graduate.

This was the best picture of the night...I was dying of hysterics
as these two fought over which one got to face the way
of their "best side." They both like their left side.
Who even knows their best side?
PS...mine is the same as theirs. ha
vain family.

We went to Claim Jumper to celebrate
before Grad Night.
AND ATE CARBS. LOTS AND LOTS OF CARBS.

Fun Fun times. sigh.

GRAD NIGHT 2011 - TIM BURTON MOVIES...ALICE IN WONDERLAND

2011-05-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

MY LAST GRAD NIGHT.
This year's theme was Tim Burton Movies.
I did my "Lounge" with
Alice In Wonderland - TWEEDLE DEE AND TWEEDLE DUMB.
I really wished I had done more...enjoyed it more
instead of being so crazy busy at the
time with company and planning
graduation. I was just sooooo dang lucky Lauren
and Haley were here to help me SO MUCH.
(especially you Lu. Hay - you ditched us a few
times. humpht. And who said you could have
a summer job when I need you?)
I have some CREATIVE PROGENY.
Jes sayin.

I whipped up this giant sign in my kitchen at the last minute.
Cason walked in and said, "Whoa Gramma, that E is my favorite letter!"

Lauren and I made the Flora and Fauna out of
Teacher Supply butcher paper.

From Mar 9, 2011

These Black and White panels I painted a few years ago
have sure served me well and been
versatile for sooooo many things.
They spell Kooookie is so many ways.

And like every year, I had to find
camoflauge-fabric-paper-tulle...anything
to make all these donated mis-matched sofas
go with my theme.

My creative Balloon lady friend, Lili, comes through
for me again and again.

A party rental place donated this giant chair for the evening.
My perfect centerpiece!

The M Party. M=Mackenzie.

2011-05-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

In celebration of our big graduate,
we did a "barbeque" the day after graduation.
M-s were blowin around all over the backyard
and throughout the house.
As one of Kenz's guy friends put it,
"Man, your mom is crazy!"
(I know I am)

Yes. Those are M and Ms of course!

Miz Mackenzie was the perfect hostess.

And only embarrassed a little...by all the attention.
And ALL the M-s. ha

I made the layered centerpieces with ground covers...
which I already have put in the ground.
How's that for thrifty?

And just like that...it is the end of the Vicki Walker High School Parties.
aaaaaand I can't even begin to tell you how I feel about that...!

Prom 2011 "BIG LIGHTS - BIG CITY"

2011-05-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

Sigh. My last prom.
And my last pre-prom party.
36 kids, (Lots of parents) Chicken Rothchild, Lemon Asparagus...etc.
And I didn't even get a picture of my full Buffet Table.
Just a few details.

Roses from my garden in a funky paint-can. I was going for
a rustic elegant look. I used burlap and mattress ticking fabric with my
table linens.

Kenz was pretty smokin.
A mom can say that...and she was having a blast.

The picture of my butter turned out....haha.
And some of my desserts.
And then I was called back into the kitchen!

Yes and there was real food too.

Here are some of the tablescape details.
Tablescape. I borrowed that term from Sandra Lee.
Great word.

Lisa if you are out there...notice the ribbon from your wedding
(from the chair ties..?)

Look at these girls...The evening has barely begun
and the heels are already bugging them. Wimps.
I can wear heels all stinkin day, and then vacuum in them.!

And then their party bus came,
and took them away.

AND THEN WE PUT EVERYTHING AWAY.

This is my secret weapon. This is how I can do so much.
A little diet coke...and she can really go!
Plus she loves me.
(Thanks Mom and Hay...you guys made it happen!)

Mr. Wolfpack 2011

2011-05-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

Hil--arious.
Kenz was one of the MCs that ran the evening.
Talent competition, Formal wear etc.
One of her last Big HURRAHS as Senior Class Pres.
What is it about teenage boys that is so daring and bold?
Let's just say...
They held nothing back. ha

THE SUN SETS ON ITALY...AND ON OUR HOLIDAY.

2011-05-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

We spent our last leisurely day in Rome on
Good Friday. What a place for Good Friday!
WE ACTUALLY SAW THE POPE AND WENT TO HIS
GOOD FRIDAY MASS (in Italian) with all the MASSES OF PEOPLE.
I have never had the sense of how populated the Earth is until that night.
What a sight, thousands of people surrounding the Ancient Roman Ruins
which is where the service was held.
(I told Haley, it felt like the Tower of Babel with so many different
languages all meshing together.)

Earlier that day we toured Vatican City. This trip was like
a DA VINCI CODE MARATHON.
(Haley reminded me that there was a DNA phenomenon going on there.
Every stinkin Vatican policeman looked like an Abercombie Model. seriously. Must have been the Holy Water or something...!)

We also made sure we crossed off every sight in the Guidebook, every
fountain, every Cathedral...and had one last Gelato.
For reality was gonna hit us the next day as we returned home.
Sigh.

hello California...

Italy---On To Rome !

2011-05-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

To quote some scraggy looking guy standing next to me in Rome:
(who turned out to be an American)
"Dude, this is some OLD stuff..!"
(except he didn't say stuff.)
He said it--not me.
But wow--ruins from way before Christ. It blew me away too.

Here I am walking where Christian Slaves walked. humbling.

And here is Miss Haley Walker making her wish
in Trivoli Fountain.
(As you can see it is tossed over the wrong shoulder.
Superstitious Hay...had to go back the next day to redo it. ha)
Love wishes are serious Biz.

Italy---Venice---Insane Eye Candy

2011-04-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

I must be getting so boring. Jeez, no one enjoys a travelogue
or someone else's home movies. ha.
But let me just say, I have to at least throw up these collages
of what we saw in Venice. It is almost overwhelming how much
we experienced and what we saw.

SEE WHAT I MEAN?
It is like trying to eat a whole Pizza by yourself.
(actually I tried that too.)
(precisely why I am on Atkins this week. ha)

Italy Day 1---Romeo Oh Romeo

2011-04-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

First Stop--Verona--probably my favorite city.
(and the least tourist-y, even though I was a tourist too.)
The city of Romeo and Juliet.
And the setting for the movie, "Letters to Juliet."

It looked just like I imagined Italy to look.
It was so cool to see the architecture change from city to city,
And the people are soooo nice to Americans.
(sorry for this travelogue.)

We loved Juliet's House and Haley wrote a letter to Juliet.

And here is Juliet's Balcony. "Wherefor art thou?"

And Little ole me, starving for a gelato.
(I was saying--"Hurry up -- let's eat!")

France Day 3---Art For Art's Sake

2011-04-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

Not that I am trying to be "Heady" or Deeeep...
but I have to say that being in Europe
for someone like me was so liberating.
I am the person whose family (Ben Brutsch...Trent) tease me
for my throw pillow abundance,
for the exuberance I show wrapping a package, etc.
You get the idea.
Simply stated, I am all about presentation
and how things look,
and not as much about the functionality of things. so what.
In Europe I wanted to throw open my arms and
belt out a high C.
"Beauty for the sake of Beauty" and "Art for the sake of Art"
was everywhere, and artists and free thinkers,
(some even a bit eccentric) were commonplace and respected.

ART and Art?
(in the Louvre) ...ok. (gulp)
But you gotta respect the open-mindedness.

Even the gothic architechture (pictured Notre Dame, Sacre Croeur, and Saint Chappelle)
was all about beauty for the sake of beauty.
No - this is not a Humanities 101 lesson. sorry.

What can I say...Beautimus!
(notice the locks on this famous bridge, thousands of them.)

Late lunch in a French Cafe with our accordian player.
Perfect last day in France...and on to Italy.

France Day 2---THE MAP CZAR

2011-04-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

Let it be said I have always praised Ms. Haley for her "Man-brain"
because unlike me, she has an amazing sense of direction.
Let it also be said that she became "THE MAP CZAR" in Europe and was happy to have me submissively walking a step behind her as she confidently led the way.
After a mile or two, I would muster the courage to casually ask,
"What street are we looking for Hay?" or
"Just give me a heads up when we are turning...ok?
Don't wanna run into Picaso or anyone."

First stop. Versailles.
This was my second time seeing it, but was still overcome with the enormity of it,
and the decadence of the lifestyle so disconnected with the plight of their
starving countrymen and the brewing French Revolution.

Then on to the Louvre.
(As a little sidenote, my maternal Great-Grandfather actually had some of
his work in the Louve. He made some of the first wax mannequins
that were considered true works of art.)

Crepes for dinner of course.
ahhhhhmmmm.

France Day 1---C'EST LA GUERRE !

2011-04-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

We left London's pristine, Euro-sleek train station,
and got off in Paris,
or did we somehow end up in Algeria?...
The smell of urine, the rampant black mold on the dilapidated ceiling, and the puzzling
Algerian-prince-who-wants-to-give-you- $100,000- types,
were just the first clues
to me and "Lizzie McGuire-does-Europe"
that France might not be so easy. hmmm.
Our pre-purchased metro passes would not work.
In the Vicki Venacular,"Crap-aloski."
After 2 hours, and 5 long lines in different "Imformacion" booths where no one could or would, understand our problem,
(they had somehow gotten de-magnetized,)
my frustration got the better of me...
and High-School-French-Vicki immerged.
Marching up to the last booth, out popped Charades-choregraphy and High School French dialogue (which way to the biblioteque?) in as Haley described it, "A hilarious display of Americanism."
Out of pure disgust, the lady exchanged our passes,
and out of some worm-hole in my brain,
came a phrase from Looney-tunes, circa 1965, Pepe' le Pew--(skunk with Bugs Bunny)
C'est la Guerre ! ( that is what he always said when things went wrong!)
pronounced "Suck-lay-goo" haha
That was our motto for rest of the trip,
and I kept Haley laughing every time I asked her,
"Aren't you sooooo glad I am fluent in French!"

Actually I ended up loving Paris and the country landscapes of mustard and rape seed fields were absolutely amazing on the train!

LONDON DAY 2---EAT PRAY LOVE

2011-04-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

DAY 2--We had to make it count...
First Herrod's Dept Store (so amazing)--Burrough Market
(Lauren you were right-It was my favorite part of the day)
Buckingham Palace--Tower of London-- We attended a service (in Latin) at Westminster Abbey--
AND THEN TO THE THEATRE...
MAMA MIA. whew.

Poor Anne Bolin and the others who lost their heads here!

And that was it for England...stuffed our backpacks,

ready to leave the next morning for Paris.
g'night blokes.

LONDON DAY 1 ---" MIND THE GAP"

2011-04-23T23:53:00.000-07:00

WELL.
It has been 10 days of hurried--CRAM it all in--do it for cheap-- back-packing like a 20 year old--around Europe with Haley.
We never took a taxi. Always the metro, or trains and a cheap regional airline that only allows you 20 pounds.
She has become quite good at this lifestyle and I think I surprised her that I could keep up with her. We figure we probably walked at least 10 miles a day.
And slept 5-6 hours a night.
Relaxing...no...vacation...no...Amazing...yes!
She had an agenda...and I was along for the ride.
And all I can say, is it was an experience of a lifetime. One of my absolute best.

In England, I was so amused with the differences in our expressions.
Why do we say things the way we do--why do they?
"MIND THE GAP"--("watch your step")
Theirs makes more sense.

So I met Haley In London, where she had just finished her semester.

Her home for 4 months. Then off we sprinted--for the few precious hours left in the day.
First Kensington Palace for High Tea, several other sights, and then
the musical Billy Elliot.

I shut out the world and concentrated on one thing--enjoying it.
My kids always tell me that the funniest thing about me
is how hard I laugh at my own jokes.
WE DID A LOT OF LAUGHING.
(and we "minded a lot of gaps")

PS. She cried when I got off the plane. awww.

OH THE PLACES YOU'LL GO - Cheer Banquet 2011

2011-04-11T23:50:00.000-07:00

Ahhh. Another last. Cheer Banquet that is.
Been getting ready for this for a few months now.
The idea was spurned from an essay Kenzie wrote...
and Dr. Seuss is one of my favs.

It was a sea of Seuss hats and every cheerleader took one
home for a souvenir.

The details were fun and let's just say my
craftroom has been overflowing.

The food was incredible and for a dessert lover,
IT WAS A DREAM.

GOODBYE TO MY VARSITY GIRLS.
Goodbye to my high school girl.

They are saying with state budget cuts, parents will be paying
for everything, so the days of these banquets
are over with Vicki Walker. (6 years of cheer banquets.)

"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose."

So off they go!

SHOP TIL YOU DROP.

2011-04-10T15:01:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend in Utah.
This was a big event for Danielle -
a trade show that she has been gearing up for
months and months.
We have been planning the design and how to display everything in detail,
but this weekend it looked
even better than I had imagined.

She had so much merchandise, we could only put out about 60% of it.
It was almost overwhelming.
It seriously looked more like a store than a tradeshow booth.
We are talking incredible stuff. Check her out here.

A little marketing...I have included these lollipops
(different colors)
in a few of the things I am working on right now.
They were the perfect touch for her "Brand."

Lauren was especially good with the mannequins.

Our octagonal dressing room created out of gridwall
and shower curtains.

Here was our set up crew. (whew!)
Lauren and I were sure thinking that Brooke, Haley and Kenz
would have been a huge help. You little fashionistas.

GREAT JOB DANIELLE-Y !!
We are all proud of you.

WHINING....SOMETIMES IT WORKS.

2011-04-03T16:39:00.001-07:00

I didn't realize it. But I guess I have been whining. I thought I was being Noble in my martyrdom, just sucking it up and working 14 hour days lately, not even making my bed for 2 weeks. YOU HEARD ME. BUT NO------ I knew I must've been unknowingly whining when my mom offered to come over and help me get caught up with my housework, BOTH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. (either that or she is horrified I might become accustomed to slothful living.) Not that I took advantage...but when she said, "Do you want me to wash the windows?" I felt the devil on my shoulder say, "GO FOR IT... only if you really want to, of course." She even got Kenz in the helpful groove and let me put up my Easter Decorations. SIGH...utter luxury. My mom is THE best. ah hem...here is my clean, Easter house. (ready for Hay to come home for Easter.)

I am loving the way Easter decor has gravitated toward green-natural-moss-type-decor. I am loving this moss table runner I snagged at Tai Pan Trading. (It sheds green lint like a dandelion puff.) Kenz laughed and rolled her eyes as I swept the pieclings into a pile and put them into a baggie..."I might find a use for these...a little spray glue, voila...moss."

And check out this moss-ball garland. Just spells out springtime to me. (no matter what Kenzie says.)

And out came the bunnies and birds, and Lauren and I found these caged bunnies for 1$ each. NOT THAT I WOULD EVER PUT A BUNNY IN A CAGE. humpht.

So what is the moral of the story? Thanks to the muth of all muths--little ever-ready Joycie. I leave for Utah on Wednesday to be a muth and pay-it-forward to Danielle and Lauren. One thing though girls... I DON'T DO WINDOWS. xo

The Last RAH

2011-03-31T04:49:00.000-07:00

IT IS OVER.
My last cheer competition.
It started with Lauren in Pop Warner
and ended with Kenz 20 years later.
And now my pom poms are truly retired.

Our school made it to Nationals 6 years in a row.
27 teams--5th place.
And people say cheerleading is not a sport.
It was a lot different when I was doing it.
GIMMEE A B...!

So now I rest. And prepare for
my rocking chair competition.
THANKS TO MY GIRLS.
IT WAS A FUN RIDE.

Jest A Wee Bit "O Green

2011-03-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

Well I figured I needed a new post. My last was a bit sad--
Mild bit of celebrating, that is all.
So this is all I gots.
ON TO EASTER!

Sweet, Sweet Goodbye.

2011-03-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

I am sad today...although sort of a good kind of sad. It is the humbling kind of sad that touches your heart and brings reality into a true focus. I woke this morning to some sad news that a good family friend died while snorkeling with his son in Hawaii yesterday. And this was the day I attended Brooke's Gramma's Celebration of Life--It was a sweet, sweet good-bye. She also died this week.
(Brooke as in my darling, little, pregnant, daughter-in-law)

I came away feeling so inspired by the heartfelt talks of her children and grandchildren and so touched by their adoration. It reminded me so intensely that all you truly take with you are the relationships you make here. It really doesn't matter what you looked like, or what your dining room looked like---Your relationships are eternal. I believe even friendships made here are eternal -- and that includes my animals.

I took these pictures off Lauren's blog. I loved this day last week. Brooke's Gramma had a birthday not long ago and she wanted to see the Justin Bieber Movie for her birthday. I can't stop wanting to smile about that. Now that is my kinda Gramma...

Mrs. Lucia Griffith, THE OCTOGENARIAN

2011-03-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

While Lauren was in town, we went to her

Gramma's 80th birthday celebration.
We did the table decor. Because Lucia is known for always
wearing beautiful turquoise and silver jewelry, I decided to make silver vases by painting glass vases with
a metal based paint, and add a few turquoise do-dads. That silver-leafing paint is MAGIC.
Magic like the octogenarian herself.

Her daughter Julie, made these darling placemats. It was a surprise party and the guise was that her singing group, THE CHORAL BELLES, were coming to the church
to perform. She was all dressed up, game face on, doing her choreography to the
first medley before she really understood why so many people she knew were in the room!!!
Seriously, I just loved the show. It warmed my heart.

Don't mind me, the-back-of-the-head Photog...I was still trying to hide from her
at this point.

Haley, notice I used your china (vintage 1953) for the perfect touch.
I knew you would want me to for Gramma Lucia! It is just her era.

And here is Bill, doing intros. This woman SAVED ME at a time when I painfully had to leave my first baby and go back to work. She so sweetly loved my first three children like no babysitter ever could. She is a classic 1950's Betty Crocker, Dr. Spock, June Cleaver all rolled into one.
And she sings...and does choreography!
Happy Birthday, my dear Lucia.

WE HAVE BEEN HANGIN FOR 10 DAYS... and whooooosh they are gone!

2011-03-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

How bout that?

Off they go, and I feel so unsettled.
And sad. We had loads of fun and a whirlwind of
surprises and treats and games and movies.
I guess everyone needs to get back to normal life,
and Daddy Ben.
We had one especially Hallmark event...
DISNEYLAND - 1st time

The kids loved some of the kiddie rides, especially "It's A Small World," but
actually...

And their houses.

Kenz even met us there.
and I made her wear a hat with ears on it too. ha

Playing Disneyland
just isn't the same as being there.

but pretty close.
BYE BYE my babies.
I miss you already.

Hello Kitty....I mean Luci.

2011-03-09T11:20:00.000-08:00

It worked out we had a Dental Conference the same weekend as

Luci's 2nd Bday party. I loved it. It is always so

fun when Lauren does all the work and

I get to help her display it all and help with

some of the cooking. We are SO

like-minded. It is so nice to have someone who

"gets" how you think!

HERE IT IS:

CUTEST PARTY HATS EVER!

At two, you would think she wouldn't understand, but she totally

knew what it was all about. And she was the perfect

little hostess.

Notice the Hello Kitty Cake-pops and these cookies made with fondant,

(thank you Susan Bailey for the inspiration,) We tried a marshmellow

fondant recipe that was killer-delicious! Lauren made her own cookie-cutter

out of heavy foil. SO resourceful and clever.

Lauren and I were up the night before the party til 1:30

and we started getting really silly, slap-happy. We realized we had

no birthday candles so I rifled through her stuff and said, "Watch me carve

Hello Kitty out of this Easter bunny candle." After 20 minutes, we were in

hysterics, saying, "Who does this? Who even notices this kinda thing? We are

psycho-cases!" Well when I brought the plate with a cookie with my candle

for Luci to blow out, she blew it out, and with a delighted look on her face picked up

the candle, and announced to the room, "Hello Kitty!"

It made it worth it...and I think she is going to join our Sorority

in a few years!

Lauren - I am so proud of the wonderful mother and talented person

you are. sigh. Thanks for including me in all the fun!
Anyone who wants to see Lauren's "idea blog"
keep an eye on her HERE.

He's back. Hay and Kenz -- THIS ONE'S FOR YOU.

2011-03-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

HALEY AND KENZ ARE CREEPED OUT BY MY LEPRACHAUN.

It's the annual changing of the Red to Green in my kitchen time,

and he is traditionally present!

And I THINK he is really cute and artsy...in a creepy kinda way.

Sorry these pics are so grainy and overexposed... it was the "TOP O The MORNIN"

with a WEE bit O too much light!

HAPPY MARCH!

A New Project For Christmas Gifts Ladies!

2011-03-01T22:01:00.000-08:00

I went to a Redhawk Activity tonight with my mumzee,

and we made these cool etched casserole dishes.

I am making you all one for Christmas!

It is so funny to think of the next 10 years of church potluck dinners...

No one will forget their dish. ha

Pollyanna.

2011-02-22T10:26:00.001-08:00

Just haven't been making time to blog.

In a blogging slump.

Does that mean life isn't so interesting?

No-- it is still interesting to me.

Something I decided about myself this weekend.

I am a Pollyanna.

(you know, like the disney movie 2 generations ago..)

It has gotten to the point, I am self-conscious about it. I must not have sophisticated tastes.

Everything seems fun, I love this movie or that, everything tastes good, everything is pretty...but not so much to everyone else!

you get the idea.

Last Weekend we went on one of those cheap Mexican Ensenada Cruises.

(I say cheap, because everyone says they are. Of course, I actually loved the food.)

It was for Ed's 25 year reunion for Loma Linda Dental School.

I had a blast. Even was dancing on the tables...and I don't drink.

what the heck is wrong with me!

Those are our friends in the background doing shots.

No one wanted to shop. cept me.

Luci, and Ashlyn need a tooled-leather purse, of course!

And Cason. I see the world through glasses of what-Cason-would-like.

Gramma vision.

We were dancing in the middle of the day to the best 80's music ever.

I am embarrassed to say, rocking out! ha.

Even Thriller. I still remember Thriller.

Those Mexicans saw us old people come in and knew just what to play.

I asked Ed if I embarrassed him, (he doesn't dance.)

He politely said no, of course not.

Here is Ed receiving a "Golden Probe" Award. Long story.

Loved it. What else can I say.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME---THANK YOU. THANK YOU!

2011-02-17T20:02:00.000-08:00

Ask any of my kids, I don't like birthdays. (theirs yes, mine, no.)

I hate to admit it, but I am one of those vain people who do not

tell people their age voluntarily.

(so don't ask me. ha)

It wasn't very long ago that Kenzie came to me and said, "Mom,

one of my friends said there is no way you could be 42."

Honestly I never lied to her, I was just kiddding. I guess she believed me.

Today was a glorious birthday.

First, Facebook makes anyone feel loved and friended.

Second, My dear friends all remembered me, the girls at the office spoiled me

with a luncheon, TONS of calls from all my kids, grandbabies and friends, my parents took me to PF Changs

(love love that walnut shrimp with honey dew) Gifts, and flowers, and cake and candy...

and my mom took me shopping for a whole new wardrobe with her Macy's discount

and our eagle-eye sales mentality. It is great sport to us.

And tonight I am packing for a fun trip for the weekend.

(There will be people staying here, for any robbers out there.)

haha...but really.

So THANK YOU TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY !

I feel loved, needed, fulfilled,

and I still feel 42...

XO.

A LITTLE COLOR GOES A LOOOOONG WAY.

2011-02-04T18:26:00.000-08:00

After house-hunting with Trent and Brooke a few weeks ago,

I decided my dining room was dated. It has been the same colors

for 10 or so years. So I painted the accent wall green, re-fauxed the fireplace,

re-stained the buffets and silver-leafed the brass hardware to nickel,

brought out all my silver platters,

made chair covers,

bought all these broken and cracked mirrors for 10$ each!

(You can repair them with a windshield crack kit from the auto supply store.)

AND I GOT THE FABULOUS MIRRORED BUFFET ( a few frames below) MARKED DOWN TO $89 AT HOMEGOODS.

(GRANTED IT WAS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES BUT I FIXED THE CRACKS

AND CAMOFLAUGED THEM WITH GOLD LEAF) IT WAS RETAIL 600$.

And that's my story!

I counted six layers of fabric on these chairs that I have recovered over the years. They were the first real pieces of furniture I got when I got married. Maybe after I go househunting with Kenzie someday, I will want to recover them again. ha.

OVER THE TOP.

2011-02-04T08:36:00.001-08:00

I was asked to be on the committee for a community event

that is held at our church where 3 people from the community were honored.

It is called "FAMILY FIRST."

It is always a really big deal, but this year it was INSANE

THE AMOUNT OF ENERGY THAT WENT INTO IT.

Keep in mind this was a 3 hour affair for about 80 people.

This is the Foyer of the church. This is the gal in charge.

She arranged to have this theatrical set brought in (the porch)

so it would look like you were walking into a house as you walked

into the banquet hall.

Each table was a vignette of an element of family life

and there were vignettes of rooms around the perimeter of the hall.

(I joked that only we crazy Mormon ladies go to this extent, most people would

do a vase with flowers.)

Our colors were black and cream. I wish we could have rented nice chairs.

Oh well.

My car is still jam packed with stuff to put away...!

At least, I don't have to worry about the porch.

My Trophy Wall

2011-02-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

As I hung Mackenzie's and Haley's Senior Pictures in

the Family Gallery going up the stairs this weekend,

I started thinking..."This is my trophy wall."

These are my best "designs" (after-all I am a designer) for the last

few decades.

Down the stairs in the morning to feed my critters...

Up the stairs with a basket of laundry...

Back down the stairs to answer the door...

Up the stairs...you get the idea.

each time admiring my designs.

(notice the last one home has the double-lifesize-head you can see from

any room in the house!)

And before anyone starts thinking, "Awww Vicki, are you feeling

sad and empty-nesty AGAIN?"

Don't you worry about me, I figure there is plenty of room to bump

those chumps and push em up to the top and put

my grand-babies FRONT AND CENTER.

(even you, giant-head girl.) ha

Pick A Project...ANY Project.

2011-01-28T05:07:00.000-08:00

January has brought lots of Manly excursions for Ed.

I have been left home with my list of things that need fixin...

And nothin else to do.

First, all the cushions in the back yard

damaged by sun, snow, sleet, and rain.

OK maybe not snow.

So then I decided to make chair covers for my breakfast room

out of this big ole mens' robe I found. crazy.

Still thinkin of what to do with the slippers. ha

THEN

I got Lauren's input on changing things up on

the walls. (by phone of course)

The conversation started like this..."Tell me something in my house

that looks dated. Hit me with it."

So this weekend, I have a whole other project.

This one may take a while.

and as a side note, I have been watching lots of this.

afterall this is competition season.

1-2-3-4

And that's my story.

And I'm stickin to it.

It Happened. She turned 18.

2011-01-19T09:44:00.000-08:00

January 19th. That was the day my last baby was born.
I made her our traditional breakfast in bed...but she preferred it in the kitchen with us.
Guess I will have to retire that breakfast tray after all those
before school birthday breakfasts!

She was lamenting, "I am so sad I will never be 16 or 17 again."

I replied, "I am so sad I will never be 40 again!"

She went on, "If I made some bad decisions, I could be tried as an adult!"

Does she have some big plans or something?

And The Year Begins With Love.

2011-01-16T19:50:00.000-08:00

This is the first time EVER that I asked myself after Christmas,

"Should I scale back all this work next year?"

Does that mean I am getting old...or worse, lazy?

So Christmas is all put away.

And Valentines is left in its place.

Well back to the original question. I just have one remark.

Ed, don't get your hopes up!

Passion, History, and Sentiment.

2011-01-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

Dishes. How can I be passionate about dishes?

China in particular.

Maybe because eating and cooking and beautiful dining is romantic.

Whatever. This has been going on for years with me now.

My tastes have become more refined and I have learned so much about

different types of china, time periods, where the best was made, where the most

classic designs came from, etc.

AND IT IS CHEAP

BECAUSE LOTS OF PEOPLE DON'T LIKE SOMEONE ELSE"S

OLD STAINED, CHIPPED DISHES.

(but it can be easily bleached, and much of it is in really good shape.)

This is part of what I am calling my "Spring Collection." I am going to plan an Easter

dinner where I serve several courses so Everyone can use all 4 plates !

(how is that--plan your menu around the dishes. Most men would think me so silly.)

Looks pretty ritzy, HUH? Well, keep in mind, most of these pieces came in

random lots from thrift stores or auction sites, for pennies each! Once I bleach them up, (with 40% hydrogen peroxide from the beauty supply--soak for 2 months, if necessary.) they are beautiful, and ready to serve a new generation.

Most of these plates are from the early 1900s. I love to imagine them on someone's

table during World War 1, the Roaring 20s, or someone maybe selling them

during the Great Depression for money. They have outlived it all.

Think of the families they have served, and the stories they could tell.

These yellow candlesticks were my Great-Grandmother's. I begged my mom for them.

I just love them and so

I wanted to build these placesettings around them. The other English serving pieces, from 1919, are Prince Albert Gold Crown, and I got the whole set (minus the yellow tray) for 11$.

Doesn't anyone else think this is exciting?!!! I just love staring at them!

Kenz told me, "Maybe I am not old enough yet to think it's cool, kind of like cute clothes when you are 8." Funny.

Maybe I am just a Gramma. I need to get lace curtains and an old toaster.

Now these are my new endeavor. Again, treasures. I want to create a darker, elegant collection.

Blues, Black, etc.

PS. You do need room to store them, display them etc.

Kenz's room is available...in maybe June? ha.

OVER TOO FAST..!

2011-01-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

Here I am on New Years with an empty house! It was such a whirlwind

of fun activity. I realized I never even got a picture of

Trent and Brooke. They were at the Holmes

house most of the time this Christmas.

So here we go, My TWO FAVORITE ACTIVITIES.

First, making the gingerbread village and cookies.

Luci is wearing the apron from her kitchen in the attic. She loved the kitchen.

Cason, Lauren and I were the serious gingerbread designers in it to the very end. Cason had to use every last piece of candy! He and I were partners on this one. He made me bite

down 3 different green gumdrops to finally make the perfect doorknob. All his idea..! funny.

Equally special was The Brutsch Family Old World tradition of

lighting a pine tree with candles and then singing Christmas songs.

Grampa Swenson found us the perfect tree.

It was magic for all of us.

Just a loving note about Ben Brutsch, whom I have so many loving thoughts I

could record. His enthusiasm, fun-loving attitude, and tradition-making ideas/activiites over the years have been such a blessing to all of us.

Then I only have a few from Christmas Day. I forgot to take pictures after that.

Even the cat was content. (under my breakfast room tree.)

Our Christmas Day Pie contest--back to front:

Kenzie's--Apple

Haley's--Berry

Lauren's--Fancy Citrus/Cranberry/Yum

Pretty much a tie !

(but Haley's was gone first)

Sigh. Time to take the decorations down. Time to plan for our next reunion.

I live for all these memories we are making.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Just As I Imagined.

2010-12-20T21:30:00.000-08:00

First Glimpse of the Magic Attic, 2 minutes after arrival.

Exactly the reaction I was looking for.

(Notice the Reindeer I gave him to add to our animal collection.)

Playing checkers (insert sucker in mouth)

And to think we are just getting started!

AS THE SAYING GOES...

2010-12-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

Haley is home and tomorrow Lauren and her family will be here.

Trent and Brooke and then Blake will follow,

and Danielle will be missing this year.

Gramma's attic is ready for the

GRAND OPENING.

Here is "Gramma--Town" all decorated for Christmas.

Forgive the blur...The signs read "Luci Lane, Ashlyn Avenue, Brutsch Basin,

and Cason's Parking Garage."

Haley, Kenz and I have been playing with the dollhouse

in anticipation. I love Haley's felt garlands.

I get credit for the rugs. ha.

My favorite is the Music Room.

Here are some of my favorite things about the season:

My Aunt Lee sends the most FABULOUS jam.

Jack is so cute in his Christmas Jammies.

I know I am in the minority, but I love to wrap presents.

And I like my papers to match.

We eat WAY too many cookies.

and then diet in January.

I loved teaching a Christmas lesson to 5 year olds today.

I made them Baby Jesus to put under their pillows on

Christmas Eve. (I saved two for Luci and Cason.)

Feeling so truly blessed.

AND HERE SHE IS !!!!

2010-12-13T22:54:00.001-08:00

YEP. I stole this right off Lauren's blog

tonight. Just couldn't help myself.

She looks so Swedish, doesn't she?

And I think her head wreath might fit her better next year !

(Lu said she wanted to wear it all day. sigh. Happy Gramma)

Our Very Own St. Lucia

2010-12-11T22:39:00.000-08:00

This is Little Luci's first real St. Lucia Day.

Exciting stuff...at least in our family!

According to wikipedia, here is the short version:

The day of Saint Lucia in Scandinavia is an essential part of Christmas in Scandinavia.

Each year on December 13, Saint Lucia is celebrated widely with candlelight and traditional candle-lit processions. Lucia herself was Christian and died for her faith. The December 13 holiday honors her.

The eldest girl in the family portrays St Lucia, puts on a white robe in the morning and is allowed to wear a crown full of candles. She serves her parents Lucia buns and coffee or mulled wine.

Ok, well we are skipping the coffee and mulled wine. ha

I sent off this package for my 2 Lus (and something for Cason of course.)

Wish I could be there St Lucia Day Morning!

My thinking was if Luci could have a paper doll

where the crown came off and on,

maybe she would get the idea,

and keep hers on!

Breakdown.

2010-12-08T04:01:00.000-08:00

I need to write this. I don't even know what I am trying to say. This has been a humbling week. I guess I want to apologize. I want to say I am sorry if I ever have made anyone feel bad who happens to have read this blog. I haven't meant to be a show off or a braggart. I don't know what I was trying to accomplish by compiling all these things. But these are the facts.

One-Everyone has 24 hours in a day

Two-Something has to give. If you spend those hours repurposing a paper-clip, then you are leaving something else undone.

Three-I think it is obvious that I am wrestling with the changing roles in my life - going from a mother - slash - wife who works at her husband's office, to a mother with an empty house who is re-establishing her own career.

Four-I am truly sorry if I have misrepresented myself to have it all, or that I can do it all, or that I am anything but someone just running around so unorganized, putting out the fires as they come.

Merry Christmas everyone. Hopefully all of us can find some balance in all things we need to get done!

The Fun Is In The Details.

2010-12-04T00:50:00.000-08:00

Love it. Hate it. Feel that overwhelmed,

never-gonna-get-it-all-done feeling,

and then you do..!

Well almost.

Still need to wrap.

And bake.

But MY

decorating is done. whew.

My football tree for manly Santas.

My favorite nativity.

And an excuse to play with dolls. ha

Now if Kenz would just clean her room!

A Nashville Thanksgiving Visiting Brooke and Trent

2010-11-29T19:27:00.000-08:00

Just Ed, Haley, Kenz and I spent the holiday at the Griffiths.

Great Fun!

I loved seeing the Hermitage and Belmont Mansion all

decorated for the Holidays. There is so much to see

in Nashville!

The day spent visiting a rural Amish Community...so fascinating.

THANK YOU BROOKE AND TRENT for such a nice visit!

Love you guys.

"BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME."

2010-11-16T22:00:00.000-08:00

Am I in a midlife crisis?

No one understands why I have been so bent on finishing

"Gramma's Magic Attic."

I think it is therapy. Transition therapy.

Reassurance there will be laughter and little kids in my house again.

So here it is.

Let's start here. THE BLUE SHUTTERS.

I saved them when Ed tore my playhouse down for more parking.

The girls were pre-teen and had abandoned it.

He did it one weekend when I went to Utah. I cried.

And told him to save my shutters !

So here they are in a place of honor in my new playroom.

Some befores and afters. Honestly, I am exhausted from doing this whole

project, almost entirely by myself in 2 weeks.

Checker Game on the floor and tic tac toe on the wall. A little hideaway.

(Blake's old "My Buddy" doll chillin out.)

My refurbished dollhouse from Lauren's and Danielle's room 22 years ago.

Use your kid imagination. It is an apple tree. You can even pick the apples.

The kitchen. (Took a piece of plywood and covered it with

kitchen flooring. ha.) A Vicki Walker miniature apron of course.

The School Corner (Thanks to the legendary Gramma Griffith for the desk-LOVE HER)

She sent Blake over one day with it for my Gramma room. It was in Trent's room when he was little.

The circus trunk for "Dress up" filled with costumes I made over the years.

(purchased for Blake's room when he was sure he wanted to go to clown college

some day!) whew. glad he outgrew that one.

Kenz's and Hay's white Toy Trunk above--repainted.

So the room is almost done. I took a break on the tunnel around the room.

Maybe in January.

But I feel better. Sigh. Lots of old friends up in my attic ready to welcome

a whole new set of little ones.

It warms this mother's heart.

TREASURES.

2010-11-10T10:04:00.000-08:00

Jes a couple 'o pictures of what has been keeping me up so late.

I keep cleaning out, tryin to find the back of the attic,

discover something old I still want,

fix it up--to use in

that Magic Attic of mine.

(THIS WAS LAUREN'S AND DANIELLE'S

AGES 5 AND 7--took weeks to construct so many years ago)

I used my cricket machine-thank you Lauren-to make all the white trim.

We shall see what treasures I find today.

...AND SPEAKING OF TREASURES.

Here are a few of Kenz's Senior Pics.

(Love that BLUE LILY photog)

All grown upped.

And that is what is left of my baby. sigh.

Bizzy Weekend

2010-11-07T22:56:00.000-08:00

Time is flying and I can hardly find time

to work on my pet project.

Friday night was Kenz's last home football game-SENIOR NIGHT

We did a big team dinner and all the seniors wore tiaras and banners.

AMAZING GAME--THE SEASON'S BEST!

Then Saturday I was able to work on my attic project.

What is slowing me down is that I have to remake all the junk I am finding.

My rule is that I have to throw it away if I have no purpose for it.

Here are some of the things I did this weekend.

This cradle/rocker is 17 years old. The table is too. Both were

painted green. Sentimental value, so I fixed em. I even found the tile in the attic

that I put on the top of the table. (lots of good stuff up there !)

Lots of old pillows -- I started to recover.

And here are all the old frames I found.

I BLINKED and it was Sunday and my parents came over

for brunch. (I made Lauren's prize beet pancakes.)

Sigh. Monday again.

Coming Soon: Gramma's Magic Attic

2010-11-03T21:59:00.001-07:00

Well I guess it is time for a new post. I have been so distracted lately!

I always have to have some project outside of work

to keep me happy.

So finally I am going to finish

Gramma's Magic Attic.

(before my babies come to visit at Christmas)

Among all the details, I am framing prints of

children's books in all the old frames I have been keeping

over the years for something such as this.

(One of my favorite illustrators was always Eloise Wilkin...some of these are hers.)

This is taking me forever, because I have to organize all

the junk stuffed up there, But finally I am getting

it done. I can't wait to put it all together. I have

been painting, sewing, refinishing and REPURPOSING

UP A STORM. (There is a WEALTH of good stuff to reuse.)

Ok, just two more. These are hanging in the kitchen corner of the room;

my red kitchen.

This is a really involved DIY project---knocking out part of the wall for

a door into more attic space etc. 8 inch butter yellow and white stripes on the walls,

the big column in the middle turned into an apple tree, (you can even pick the apples) with a real swing for a doll,

my old circus trunk full of dress up costumes, a school corner, a kitchen corner, a wooden train

center, a puppet theatre and a secret tunnel all around the room.

Details to follow..!

#4 October Event...Halloween Carnival

2010-10-28T23:15:00.000-07:00

I did the "KIDA Halloween Carnival" again this year.

We had roughly 135 at the party.

Weeks to prepare, 2 solid days to set up.

Ripped down in a few hours...

And tomorrow I have lots to put away.

(I was really happy with how it turned out)

First the gym where we had all the food

and Candy Bar.

My Centerpieces. And you may recognize the black and White panels I borrowed from

The Grad Night Storage! They were perfect to break up the

ORANGE WALLS

AND BLACK FLOOR.

(perfect for a Halloween Party)

NOW some of my game booths.

Yes and repurposed this mask.

This was my favorite game - I loved my new treasure chest

filled with coffins of candy. You will see it again somewhere...

MAYBE A PIRATE PARTY !

Pumpkin decorating below.

MOnsTers InC was playing in the theatre.

We also had face painting, balloon art and live music.

And to end this post - a pic of Bri and Me. She is my number #! 1 helper.

She came today to help me set up and take down.

She is a whole 'nother post. LOVE this girl.

I WORK HER HARD.

(and she is still so dang cheerful!)

(Love ya Bri - Thanks so much for keeping me sane. xo)

PS..Thanks Mom for ironing all those tablecloths!

The 2010 "Do-it-Yourself County Fair"

2010-10-19T22:58:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a while between posts, but I have been busy

preparing for tonight and it was WONDERFUL!

And I also did a booth on....drumroll please...

Last week's craft was "Table Scarves" (see previous post) and here are some of the things in my booth tonight.

Aprons...of course! These were made from Haley's discarded skirts and dresses...now aprons for her roommates for Christmas. (they were cleaned first. haha)

YEP, a few things for my babies.

Almost everything I made came from discarded clothes and fabric scraps.

Except these.

There were some other really creative and fun booths.

Even Hygiene/Necessity bags for the homeless, the best red velvet cupcakes ever,

DIY french manicures and quilt tying with a beautiful quilt display.

Tons of Artisan Homemade rolls and breads, soups, desserts-THANK YOU

EVERYONE!

AND Zig Zigler is my man. (plus I like his snappy name.) Look what he said:

"..If you will use what you have, you will be given more to use.

You can always find a capable helping hand at the end of your own sleeve."

AMEN !

Repurposing. Or Just Call Me Cheap.

2010-10-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

You would think I was born during WW2.

Those who know me well, know that I find a way to

"repurpose" a lot of things. (no, I don't save aluminum foil)

Today I had a luncheon to do, and I needed some type of " table scarves" to jazz up my tables. So I decided to use this pile of sparkly Bohemian skirts my girls and I used to wear 4 years ago. (remember that summer?) I knew I could use them for something great! Beautiful fabric and sewing can't go to waste!

See what I mean? Scrunch in the middle and you never see the seam. A few of my centerpieces.

Is that like the movie "27 Dresses" OR WHAT ?

And when I get tired of my "table scarves" I am going to make them into

Gypsy costumes for Ashlyn and Luci ! ha !

Would you have thrown them away?

Homecoming--Theme... MAGIC

2010-10-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

Before the big homecoming dance, I did a dinner

for Kenz and some of her friends.

(This is the first of five Halloween/Fall events I am doing this month)

It was so Fun to do.

Our table centerpieces

The Buffet Table

Sim Sala Bim Salad, Abra-Cadabra Beef, Voila Veggies, Hocus Pocus Potatoes...

(You get the idea. Corny I know, but anyone who knows me just expects it. ha)

The Drink Station

(gift from Lauren on Mother's Day--I love my cool potion bottles below)

And just like Magic, they were gone.

BLACKLIGHT ASSEMBLY. pretty cool.

2010-09-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

These are our administrators with the principal on the top.

Yep, Mom's always in the front row taking pictures. sigh.

SCAWEEEEEEE.....

2010-09-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

I am trying out my INNER-GOTHIC for a project I am doing this year.

lots of black paint, black crows, and spiders !

SHOPPING DAY.

2010-09-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

It is Birthday time for Haley and next Lauren.

So while they shopped for their birthday gifts,

this is what Luci and I were doing...

(taken with my phone)

silly Gramma. Who needs a Barbie Doll?

ANNIVERSARIES.

2010-09-21T11:37:00.001-07:00

MISSED MENTIONING A FEW ANNIVERSARIES.

August...Lauren and Ben

and

My Mom and Dad

September...Danielle and Craig

ahhhhh.....love is in the air

and then there was always Ed's and mine.

always the romantic. ha

This is what three and one looks like.

2010-09-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

It was a weekend of frog and snake hunts, surprises and unlimited

otter pops, movies and puzzles, making cookies,

and visiting with lots of drop-by friends.

AND NOW I REST.

SUGAR BABIES.

2010-09-16T22:29:00.001-07:00

Well I am killin a little time waiting

for 4 of my Sugar Babies to get home at midnight.

Candy on their pillows-check

food in the frig-check

toys ready and waiting-check

I have a whole slew of new animals to strategically reveal to Case.

And...maybe you recognize Ladybug-Lauren from our New York trip.

Even Luci gets some candy (and little mermaid)

How long has Haley been gone...3 weeks? ha

Yep. That's my story. And I'm stickin to it.

Nite.

Another Lil Pea In Eddie's Pod.

2010-09-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

So many of my friends want to see this
little guy.
Our newest addition.
Luke Craig Barker. BEAUTIFUL BABY.
Ed is so thrilled with him.

Love his profile

His Cousins are so intrigued

And NOTHING is more exciting to me than a new baby.
(aren't you so fascinated with their tiny fingers and toes?!)
P.S. Danielle is fabulous and looks great...more pics to follow

The Last Chapter on Kauai

2010-09-08T22:14:00.000-07:00

This is my last chapter on Kauai.

(back to cupcakes and pom-poms)

And I can't finish this chapter without

expressing my love for my Aunt and Uncle

and my parents. This was such a special day for all of us.

More than ever...Family is forever.

More Kauai---ZIP-LINING.

2010-09-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

almost done...just have to finish with some highlights.

ZIP-LINING--what a thrill!

From Kauai

It was a lot higher than it looks!

Kauai. National Geographic Style

2010-09-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

This is a week rich with material.

And then next week I can chronicle Ed with his new grandson.

And then life will be back to the normal dulldrums. ha

The hurricane 18 years ago scattered the island's cock-fighting roosters.

Wild chickens are EVERYWHERE.

National Geo always shows a picture of the natives.

(with a black eye no less)

And native dwellings.

And native costumes.

and because it is me, it is the sale rack. amen

FINGERS AND TOES.

2010-09-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

I filled my suitcase with cheap little prizes

for the kids. Lauren told me bling would

go over big with Luci...and she was right.

Actually the big girls stole a few.

One day's surprise for Luce was a whole bag of these carnival rings. below

Big Hit.

Lauren took these darling pictures and sent them to me!

What is it about little girls? melts me.

Reunion - The Family

2010-08-31T17:50:00.000-07:00

This whole trip was conceived as a reunion

for extended family--Aunts and Uncles, Cousins.

Here are my beach boys and girls. (minus our little Barker Family)

Now this was such a treat. We talked my dad into singing to us.

I made him bring his Ukelele. He sang us all kinds of old songs that

he used to sing to my sister and I while we washed the dishes!

"5 foot 2, eyes of blue, has anybody seen my girl?"