yarroville

Phone Camera Dump

2011-10-15T00:38:00.000-06:00

my boy and my dad

dog tricks, pretend you don't see the pile of clothes on my chair in the background, it's a bad habit!

crazy hair day at school

giant flag covering the entire field at BYU / U of U game, let's not talk about the outcome shall we

the best thing about that game was this sunset

face painting and colored hair at the school carnival

an evening walk with the girls to check out all the road trouble on 400N, this construction has caused more trouble in my life than I can express

peacock eyes, a little preview of her Halloween costume, why do her teeth look so Appalacian?

the bulletin board I made for the school

Lunch at Lone Star, Fieri on triple D gave it rave reviews, me...not so much

funny Halloween napkins at Zurchers

crazy long carrot Isabelle found in the baby carrot bag

note I found in Isabelle's garbage can but never received, I wonder what this was all about?

Dear Colett (not mom?)

Meet Isabelle in your room and send dad to play video games, knock on your door first, I love you, love Isabelle

Nick was the head coach of the Golden Ninjas, his 9th grade powder puff team, (just like in FNL season 1 remember when Lyla and Tyra played????) they didn't win the championship but after a quintuplet overtime they came close! The only person missing in this photo is Nick...what? I was the water and doughnut provider.

homemade band-aid, sorry Millie, but you inherited your dad's Flintstone feet

obligatory

2011-09-01T11:08:00.000-06:00

sooooooo, here is the annual first day of school photoshoot. Everyone does it every year, I'm pretty sure the mommy police come take away your mommy rights if you don't take these pictures.

Hey at least we were in front of the garage instead of sitting on the front steps, see, I am open to change.

Millie: headed to second grade. olive green cropped skinny Joe's Jeans and striped top are from TJ Maxx (I really do get the majority of her clothes there) and her cute red boat shoes are from Crazy 8.

This girl can pose.... that's so weird I wonder where she gets that from?

(oh yeah, there's that)

Heavens to Betsy I love this girl

Isabelle: off to tackle 5th grade. cropped "LOVE" t-shirt and gold and black bow flats are from F21 (yes she is big enough to shop there now, hooray) this 10 year old has a women's size 6 1/2 foot....yowza. Black tie front harem pants are from Gap kids. Her hair do is an exact copy of her cousin Sydney who she idolizes like a rock star.

Good luck girlies, knock em dead at Lindon Elementary this year!

Oh wait, what about my poor son you might be thinking. well, he leaves for school at 7:30 and his totally lame mom slept right through it all!!! I am not proud of it but there you have it.

This is what he looks like most of the time anyway. Football is all consuming in this household and we love it!

I'm A Lucky Girl

2011-08-11T19:42:00.000-06:00

I walked in the door the other night (home from the gym, hence the lovely outfit) and was immediately accosted and blindfolded by Isabelle.

after removing the blindfold, this is what I saw. Notice the two fancy tablecloths and all?

mmmmmmmm lemonade

Thank goodness there was somewhere to put my ticket.

Oh yeah.

Millie brushed out my stinky hair....

and then gave me a veeeeeery special hair do. Two pig tails are for chumps, three is clearly better.

popcorn with extra salt.

soaked my feet in this bowl of warm water. Apparently big bowls of water are for chumps too, tiny bowls are the way to go.

Is there anything better than this?

Someone is doing a good job raising these hoodlums, oh yeah, that's me.

Dangit!!!

2011-07-28T16:57:00.003-06:00

Remember THIS frightful day?
Now look what has happened! I guess deep down I knew the day would eventually come. But I can still beat him at an arm wrestle....for now anyway

Could somebody please tell me how to put the brakes on this?

Millies Room Makeover

2011-06-27T12:37:00.004-06:00

THE BEFORE

Still cute enough, but I have been looking at it for the last 7 years, we needed a change, besides...it's just so much fun to do.

THE AFTER

I knew I wanted charcoal grey walls, but honestly after painting them I was afraid it wouldn't be girly enough, silly me.

The bedding was a bit of a splurge from anthro, I spray painted the bed metallic gold but it looked a little too shiny so I softened it with a brown wash, the pillows were all made by me, myself and I.

Millie has collected little wind up toys for years, I found this old desk drawer at Star Mill and hung it on the wall to showcase them and a few other things.

I made the tree with my handy dandy miter saw and some old barn wood and molding

The dresser is from Ikea I love a little pop of modern in this frilly room, lamp is from Target, the rest of the stuff I have collected over the years at antique stores mostly.

I found this Awesome chair at DI for $35, oh my goodness I love it, curtains are from Ikea, I'm trying to think if any of the curtains in my house aren't from Ikea? The huge polka dot pinwheel is from Hobby Lobby.

Quite possibly my favorite thing in the room are these vintage Barbie portraits, they are so whimsical and cool at the same time. I stole them from a website (naughty I know) Millie loves her new room and so do I!

Spring Soccer 2011

2011-06-27T10:29:00.000-06:00

Look Who Had A Little Birthday

2011-06-27T10:24:00.001-06:00

My sweet hubby organized a little surprise party for my little insignificant birthday. (whatever...turning the big four-oh is no big deal right?) I walked into Malawies thinking we were going to have dinner after Nick's big track meet (which is why he is wearing his track uniform) only to find almost all of my family, friends and loved ones waiting for me. I truly was surprised. Matt also had each person bring a little item that reminded them of me and each person presented their item to me with a few thoughtful words. It was so amazing and fun. So much fun in fact that I forgot to pick up the camera and take any pictures. These are the only ones I have of the whole night, but thanks to whoever had the smarts to pick up my camera and take them.

Can you even believe this cake? My amazingly talented friend Steph made it for me! It's the most beautiful cake I have ever seen. It was difficult to make myself cut it up, but it actually tasted as good as it looks

Apparently it's kind of a big deal to turn 40.

My family made me breakfast in bed

My neighbors took me to lunch

My parents made me dinner

My girlfriends took me out for dinner, pedicures and a movie

My friend Val also took me out for a pedicure

I got packages in the mail

I got so many phone calls, texts, e-mails, and facebook messages, you guys can really make a girl feel special.

I have the best people in my life and it's not by accident.

I still haven't gotten used to entering a number that begins with a 4 when the elliptical machine asks for my age, maybe I even still enter 39...maybe.

Spring Break, Cracking Eggs, and Houses

2011-04-22T18:51:00.002-06:00

Quite possibly the most random blog post I have ever done.

How was your spring break? My was lame.

I think we were the only people on the planet that didn't jet off to somewhere fun and warm (don't join in on my pity party too soon, I just got back form the beach and we are headed to Mexico in a mere 6 weeks) On the bright side I am glad we didn't go on an exciting family excursion because I would have just spent my time cleaning up barf on vacation. Millie got the stomach flu, not just any measly old 24 hour flu, she got the godzilla of stomach flus and I got to enjoy 5 lovely days of puking and pooing. Poor thing just wanted her mommy to tickle her back 24 hours a day, and you know what...I did it, because I'm the mom and that's what I do. I must say however that she made it into the toilet or a bowl EVERY time, impressive right?

The one and only thing I accomplished was gutting, organizing, and cleaning my closet. It is life changing! There might be a little a slight amount of inequality going on in here. Matt's clothes only take up about 1/4 of the space. The man only owns 8 pairs of shoes.

I, on the other hand own a few more than that (these are only my heels) It's an addiction, I am aware of it, s there counseling for such a thing?

In other news, Isabelle tried to cure her boredom by making these little Easter/Spring rice krispie nests, cute right?

And since spring break ended, Isabelle has had the stomach flu. Please PLEASE don't let me get it. Although that would help jumpstart my weight loss for Mexico, hmmmmmm. Maybe I will go kiss her on the mouth.

Millie is feeling better. Here she is playing crack the egg (remember that game?) with her besties on our lovely dilapidated tramp. Might be time for a new one. Someone gets hurt on it at least once a day, but they love it so much, it's old enough that it's the perfect amount of bouncy now. Please don't let the neighbors sue us for all that we have.

Here is a quick glance (because I am tired of the phrase sneak peek) at some of my goods for Art Market and Beehive Bazaar.

image via Yan

I may also have a birthday coming soon, you know...that big one that we aren't talking about.

old lady

2011-04-11T14:19:00.000-06:00

I have a birthday coming up, it's not just any birthday it's a big birthday. Let's not talk about it OK.

Just in case I wasn't feeling old enough, this arrived for me in the mail. It's an offer to get a subcription for a magazine for "women who love to act their age" gasp!

"mature women"???? ummmm, no thanks.

what's next, AARP? Medicare?

2011-04-11T11:02:00.000-06:00

My annual ladies vacation! This year we stayed in a beach house in San Juan Capistrano California. It was literally right on the beach, like 50 ft from the ocean. Which I guess is why we were awakened our first morning and told to evacuate because of the Tsunami. Of course nothing ever happened but it was sorta scary for a moment and before we left I made sure to leave all my belongings on the top bunk just in case.

This is pretty much what all our evenings looked like thanks to Trader Joe's it doesn't get much better than this does it? Calories don't count when you are at the beach.

I was able to get my first sunburn of the year!

The town is famous for it's sparrow population and migration but we were there the wrong time of year to witness any of it darn it.

We visited some beautiful churches and walked around the mission for quite a while.

Of course I'm not catholic but that didn't stop me from kneeling at this beautiful altar to say a little prayer

I AM going to build a simpler version of this bench for my porch this summer!

I also lit a candle at this church. Clearly as a Mormon, I have no idea what this even means but is seemed like the right thing to do.

We decided to go see a screening of "Happy Thank You More Please", an indie movie made by one of my hearthrob celeb crushes Josh Radnor from one of my favorite TV shows "How I Met Your Mother" and wouldn't you know...he was there doing a Q&A. I about died. I have run into quite a few celebs in my day and I am not the kind of gal that would ever ever ever ask them for a photo or an autograph. I was already red hot and sweaty just from seeing him, but thankfully my friends forced me to do it and he was so cute and nice and really great about it.

If only I could have opened my eyes!

We also went to the Rose Bowl Flea Market, something I have always wanted to do. It was pretty amazing but since we flew there wasn't much that bring home that would fit in my suitcase.

We also hit the fashion district in Los Angeles which was fabulous. Imagine an huge building that is just fabric trims from floor to ceiling. What a sight, why oh why didn't I take a picture?

Thanks to my ladies that I adore for another wonderful trip. I come home a better mother and wife when I get to get away a little bit.

Lameness

2011-02-16T11:37:00.003-07:00

"I want money please, I like you"

Millie's desperate plea to the tooth fairy who has forgotten to visit her for the last four nights. (not for her first missing tooth, she has lost another one since then) I found this note under her pillow this morning. That darn fairy is so lame and thoughtless. (sometimes it just sucks to be the last child)

I especially enjoy the little jewel sticker at the top, she IS her mothers daughter.

3rd Annual Recessionista

2011-02-14T15:39:00.000-07:00

Well, now you are invited the 3rd annual recessionista party! Mark your calenders now for Thursday, Feb 24th!

Here is the vital info. (yes I just copied and pasted last years invite, it still works)

Are you feeling down because the recession has taken it's toll on your pocketbook and your mood? Are you dreaming of going on a wild shopping spree for clothes, shoes, and household decor, but don't have the moolah? I have come up with an exciting and practical solution for your woes! If you are reading this you have been invited to my 2nd Annual Recessionista Pawty! I attended a friend of a friend's party like this a few years ago and it was so much fun and I came home with an armload of great stuff for next to nothing!

What's this all about you may ask yourself?

Who's invited:
*You are...and anyone else who would love an evening of lady talk, cheap gets, and is stylish and cool. This pawty is not exclusive, in fact the more ladies the better!

When:
*Thursday, February, 24th at my house, 7:00. If you are reading my blog, you probably know where I live.

What the heck is a Recessionista (pronounced like fashionista) Pawty?:
*It's an opportunity to bring your great used stuff and buy/sell/trade it all.

What stuff:
*you know you have a closet full of clothes, handbags and shoes that are still cute and in good condition but maybe you are tired of wearing and looking at them. Maybe you are like me and have bought items that you swore you would diet and get into but never did. Time to clean out your closets and maybe even make a little $$$$. Your stuff could be new and exciting to someone else.

*Children's clothes and shoes and baby items. We all have baskets of out-grown or "it's just not my favorite" kids stuff.

*Small home items, decor or otherwise. Maybe you have recently re-modeled or re-decorated and have a bunch of things filling your storage room, but you just can't bring your self to give them away to DI. I know that I am ADD about my house and I am constantly changing out items. (If you have furniture that you want to sell but it's too big to bring over, just bring a photo.

After all....One woman's trash is another woman's (usually mine) treasure!

Please bring items price tagged, (garage sale prices) with your initials.

You know I only have the coolest, hippest, trendiest, smartest friends (that's you) so all the stuff will be fabulous! I also have beautiful friends of all shapes, sizes and ages so don't think that there won't be anything there for you.

*Are you feeling like not coming because you don't have anything to bring? Knock it off, just come to shop and eat and talk.

I am telling you now, many weeks in advance, so that you can have time to scour your home and closets and gather up your items. Don't worry, I will remind you again
Get busy, and I will see you then!

P.S. Also plan on bringing a treat, sweet or savory, to share. Because, what is shopping without eating?

Toothy Tooth, Goldfish, and Modeling

2011-02-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

Whoa...two posts in one week, I'm on a roll. It's all about Millie today. My baby lost her first tooth. I will have no more babies to lose their first tooth. I thought too much about that and I cried for an hour. It might not be a big thing to most people but for me, big girl teeth signify the end of an era, big teeth just make kids look older and I don't like it, it makes me a little sad.

It has been wiggly for months. About a week ago Matt tried to get it out with some dental floss and slamming the door...that didn't work. We have all tried to yank it out. Finally Nick got some tweezers and just pulled it out. It went flying through the air, all bloody and gross and landed on his shirt, they both screamed and laughed. It's a good thing it finally came out because as you can see, the the new big tooth is almost all the way grown in right behind it. (she was so excited to go to school the next day and show her friends and teacher that she said she couldn't sleep all night)

Here is the new toothless girl with her 100's day poster that we made to celebrate the 100th day of school. I probably should have taken this picture in the morning instead of after school since she and all of her friends ate most of the fish off the poster by the end of the day. Goldfish and glue, yummy.

And just because I think she is such a cutie pie, I wanted to post these pictures that my niece Ryley, took of her last summer that I just found while cleaning out my pictures folders. One of her favorite things to do with her older nieces is to dress up and play model.

Trying Something New

2011-02-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to give cross country skiing a try. Don't you always hear people say how incredibly hard it is and what a great work out it is...listen to me...those people aren't liars.

how bout those sexy blue socks on the outside of my pants huh?

This is what I would look like if I were an Olympic ski jumper.

This was my view for most of the journey. Maybe as a first timer my choice of skiing companions was not smart. One marathon runner (Steph) and one ski instructor (Noelle). They had to spend quite a bit of time waiting for me to catch up.

To say that I was sore the next day would be an enormous understatement. Don't tell anyone but I needed help getting off the toilet.

But guess what? I loved it so much. It was beautiful and difficult and exhausting and I fell down a million times and I can't wait to go again!

Speaking of gloves and hats and mittens, weren't we speaking of that? I stole this idea from Noelle, it is not dramatic to say that it has changed my life.

New Addition To Our Family

2011-01-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

No sillies, I'm not preggers...that door has been closed. (although Amy might have an announcement to make, yay!)

Meet Oliver! He just happened to fall into our family. His first family (Wes's sister) decided that they weren't really the lap dog kind of people and this little guy just wasn't getting the attention he deserved. They lovingly let us adopt him. He is perfect for us and has already won over the hearts of everyone, including Matt and Nick, although they might not admit it! He is a two year old maltipoo (part maltese part poodle) already potty trained, doesn't shed or bark much, really funny and loving. Pretty much a dream doggy.

This is the moment I surprised my girls with their new baby at my mom's house! They were completely in shock!

He loves to go for walks...can you tell?

But he's also happy to go for a ride.

Goodbye 2010

2011-01-03T15:27:00.001-07:00

2010, what can I say...you were quite a year!

I built a bookshelf in the empty spot in my basement, and sold a ton of things on KSL to de-clutter our lives. Was shocked at how life changing it is to let stuff go...in a good way.

Matt and I created a little family internet business that generates a little spending money and has been an answer to our prayers.

I became the mother of a teenager, whoa... it's been a rollercoaster ride for sure!

I learned how to spend time alone and I found that even though all my kids are in school now I am somehow busier that ever.

I finally won the war over my addiction to diet coke

I gave up sugar and carbs for two whole weeks (almost killed me) and I got a gym membership and actually used it 4 days a week and finally got in shape.

Spent 4 days at Bear Lake with my ladies, had 11 days of pure heaven in Mexico, 4 days of silly fun with my parents and sis in Denver, 3 days of heaven in Disneyland, and 1 day of terror at Antelope Island where I nearly watched my son die (or so I thought)

Watched my nephew show some astounding bravery and recover from years of illness (thank you Primary Children's Hospital).

And lastly, I don't know why, but I actually enjoyed Christmas for the first time in many many years. Happy New Year! I think 2011 is going to be even better!

Polar Express trip to visit Santa

2010-12-22T19:34:00.001-07:00

Millie still believes, hook line and sinker,
asking for...what else...another baby doll

Isabelle, she's starting to have her doubts,
asking for a fashion design kit

Nick, well...I just love that he is sitting here, and has that look on his face, asking for a cell phone. He'll believe anything I tell him to if he gets a cell phone, especially one with a touch screen for faster texting.

Ba-humbug!

2010-12-07T23:29:00.002-07:00

If you know me at all, you probably know that Christmas is not my favorite time of year. I hate stressing about money, buying just the right gifts for the 900,000 people on my list is a daunting task, the calender has no empty spots left on it (I am a gal who likes and needs my down time) I also am guilty of being an unrealistic Martha Stewarty perfectionist (my own fault), I want to create the picture perfect home and create memories for my children that will warm their hearts and last a lifetime, not to mention avoid disappointing them on Christmas morning. It's the busiest time of year for my art shows, not to mention school, church, and office parties. Throw a daughter's birthday in the mix and whew...the whole month is just a lot of pressure. Every year I tell myself, I will slow down, not put so much pressure on myself and just enjoy the month. I have moments of peace but for the most part...uuhg. Halloween is so much better.

Today I took a minute to take a deep breath, put my feet up, say a little prayer, and renew my yearly vow to let go of my inner grinch and remember the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior was the best Christmas gift EVER ya know (cute slippers right? from my sis a few years ago) Maybe this will be the year?

We are off to a good start. The stocking are hung by the chimney with care, and the tree is decorated.

We certainly don't have a traditional Christmas tree, it's silver and has the most random collection of ornaments, but I love it because most of them were made by someone that I love or given to me as a gift, some are from my childhood tree, and all the rest have a great memory or meaning attached. Not a single glass ball to be found, it's not for everybody but it works for us.

Tonight Matt and I went to the Christmas Jubilee Symphony, you can't be in a bad mood while listening to music from the Polar Express and the Nutcracker right?

Busy Busy Busy

2010-12-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

It's boutique season again! I have been working my buns off downstairs on some new projects. Be sure to check out the Beehive Bazaar in Utah County, and come say hi because I will be there every hour of every day.

Thursday, December 2, 9PM – 12AM

*entry fee of $4, Thursday evening only*

Friday, December 3, 10AM – 10PM
Saturday, December 4, 10AM – 8PM

Here is a little sneak peek at the new things I have made! Hope to see you there!

paper mache sparkly snowmen

11x17 art poster boxes

paper mache party birds

crepe paper angel ornaments

vintage bird art LED night lights

leather flower cuffs

I will also have my latest paintings available at Art Market in Salt Lake this weekend.!

Football is Finally Over

2010-11-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

The football season seems to last forever, but I have loved it. I love going to the games and cheering on my boys.

This is Nick's very serious game face.

This is his happy face.

This is his "I can't really see face"

This is his "I love my mama" face. it's my favorite

skinny buns

Matt was the defensive coach and he took his job very seriously. He may have thrown his clipboard on to the ground in a fit of rage once or twice.

Not exactly a stellar year for the 8th grade Vikings. They only won one game all season. This is them jumping for joy after their one and only win.

Good job buddy, We are proud of you and all the hard work and long hours you put into playing this game.

Disneyland! Disneyland! Disneyland!

2010-11-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

In a somewhat last minute decision (3 weeks ago) we were talked into going to Disneyland with Matt's brother and his family... I LOVE Disneyland, it IS the happiest place on earth. Because my car is a serious gas guzzler and not working so great these days we rented a minivan to make the trip. Now I'm not sure I will ever be able to travel any other way, a minivan is a dream on a long road trip.

On the way there we stayed the night in Vegas, and because we are ~~cheap~~ frugal, we didn't stay in a fancy hotel on the strip, we stayed in a hotel on the old strip, it was actually a very cool old part of town, totally retro.

Nick wanted a picture of this cool graffiti, here ya go Nick.

This is Nick and me about 2 seconds before taking off on the California Screamin roller coaster, I am too old these days to ride it more than once, I get a little too loopy.

yes...those are tank tops and shorts you see, it was 96 degrees the first day we were there.

I need a haircut

Millie getting a better view of the new World of Color show.

N is for Nick

I is for Isabelle

A is for Amelia

These bumper cars are meant for two year olds...and Matt.

This time of the year the Haunted Masion is completely transformed into The Nightmare Before Christmas, it was awesome!

I'm not gonna lie, he's pretty handsome.

We are too cheap to pay the $15 to buy these pictures, so we just take a picture of the picture, that's how we roll.

Matt and Isabelle proving how unafraid they are by doing the "call me" thing for the picture.

the only character we saw on the whole trip was Pluto, Isabelle is hanging on for dear life.

and because I am unable to blog without pictures of food, here is the cupcake from the Plaza restaurant, it cost $100, maybe not that much, but it felt like it.

Favorite memories from our road trip

*trying to distract Nick from some unsavory billboard trucks while in Vegas

*riding the Matterhorn 4 times in a row

*the best seats in the house right in front of the castle for the fireworks show and seeing Tinkerbell flying through the sky

*Millie is fearless on rides

*after riding all the way to the top and chickening out twice, Isabelle (not to out done by her little sister) faced her fears and rode the Tower of Terror

*stopping in Vegas to shop at H&M

*Matt left his sunglasses on top of the car when we left and they were still there when we found them in Vegas, the same sunglasses he lost in the ocean in Mexico and Tanner found them much later with his toes, they are lucky sunglasses!

Halloween Part Three

2010-11-01T16:30:00.001-06:00

The Call's 16th annual Halloween Party. If you aren't good at pulling off a fabulous costume, this is not the party for you. Every year the costumes get better and better. I love having such creative friends

.A full body spanx, lots of hot glue and some fake leaves and flowers and walla, the world's first couple, Adam and Eve. It seemed like a good and funny idea when we came up with it, but as I was getting in the car to head to the party I couldn't believe I was leaving the house in this get up. (Just for the record, so you don't think I was too scandalous, my butt is completely covered in leaves also)

The late Billy Mays and his grieving widow with a purse full of cash, so brilliant!

I made these yummy eyeball treats with powdered doughnuts and some blue and red frosting and a chocolate chip.

Mango from SNL and a witch.

Studio 54 from the 1970's coke addict, I guess?

Mr Peepers from SNL

Something about tanning, gym and laundry, I have never seen Jersey Shore (nor do I plan to) but they were in da house!

Thanks Call's for another killer party, we stayed until 1:00 am, who do we think we are...college students?

Halloween Part Two

2010-10-31T23:24:00.002-06:00

How great is it that my girls just let me have my fun, they are always happy to be whatever I come up with. This year Millie is a Dia De Los Muertos skeleton bride. Don't know what that is? Check it out HERE

She's pretty good at the stone face.

Isabelle went as a retro 1960's flight attendant. (I love Madmen) She loved the idea mostly because it meant she got to wear high heels

Nick decided that he was either too old or too cool this year for a costume, but that didn't stop him from still going trick or treating.

I wasn't kidding about Halloween being serious business in the Yarro family, this is our nephew Canaan in his Zombie costume. You know that part in the school newsletter that forbids gory costumes in the parade, yeah they pretty much ignore that part hahaha!

This is the graveyard they build in their front yard every year, it's awesome.

Matt's parent went to Tennessee to visit his sister this year, here are some pictures of her Halloween festivities.

Matt's other brother turns his whole garage into a haunted house, I forgot to get pictures this year, but one of the highlights of Halloween for my kids is going in there and scaring people to death!

BOOOOOOO!

Halloween Part One

2010-10-31T22:08:00.001-06:00

Not sure if you knew this or not, but Halloween is kind of a big deal in the Yarro home. We start making plans and figuring out costumes in early September. I love it more than Christmas.

We had my family over to carve pumpkins, we even get to have Toby my nephew who lives in Montana here for the next few months while his older brother spends some time at Primary Children's Hospital.

Pumpkins on parade

Not Laboring on Labor Day

2010-10-31T21:19:00.001-06:00

We spent labor day at Liberty Park with some of my best friends and their families. It was a truly great day, the kind that I will look back on and want to re-create.

All of the rides are really old, part of the fun is wondering if you might see one of your children go flying off in the air on the giant swings.

Right after this picture was taken, the worker lady immediately stopped the ride and made both of my girls get off because the were putting their hand out of the plane...seriously, who doesn't put their arms out when flying on a ride?

The cooler scooter was invented.

Foot and wheelbarrel races were ran.

Living Planet Aquarium

2010-10-31T20:52:00.000-06:00

Every year for the last day of summer we have a tradition of going to the Hogle Zoo, but this year we decided to try the Aquarium for a change. It was really fun and a lot better than I thought it would be.

Petting the sting rays was definitely the highlight of the day for the kids.

A giant clam

Happy October

2010-10-01T12:52:00.001-06:00

October = Halloween, Yarros love Halloween

BOO!

Have some of your own scary fun HERE!

Shlemiel/Shlemazel/Hassenpfeffer Incorporated

2010-09-18T10:05:00.000-06:00

One of the joys of starting up your own company, you get to do the dirty work yourself. Matt, me, Justin, Rhonda and the cute couple who own the bottle manufacturing plant spent a long long day working hard to get orders shipped out in time.

This is what a Zimbi bottle looks like before it gets heated up and formed into the mold to make the rocket shape.

this is what happens when I have a Lucille ball moment on the assembly line, bottles start falling everywhere.

I have high hopes for this little company, like retirement and college funds, so lets pray that the orders keep pouring in! Check out the website HERE!

First Day of School

2010-09-07T14:10:00.000-06:00

Off to 8th grade, he's so happy to not be a 7th grader anymore, I think he finally has this jr. high thing figured out now.

carpool buddies.

It's 4th grade for Isabelle, looking good girlfriend!

This one is off to first grade, which means I am home alone for 5 hours a day from now on. I have been dreaming about this day for the last 14 years and now that it is here, I am a little freaked out about it. What should I do with all my time? Should I lay around eating bon bons all day ( I should probably find out what a bon bon is first) until I weigh in at 300 lbs? Or should I become a gym rat that spends 3 hrs a day working out until I have rock hard abs. Should I find a job, who in the world would hire a gal like me? Oh boy, I feel a mid life crisis coming on.

After school Millie told me that 1st grade is too long, school lunch is gross and she is not happy that her teacher won't let her lay down during story time! I've got some bad news for you little lady, you only have about 16 more years of this.

Colorado

2010-09-07T12:30:00.001-06:00

How does a road trip with just your parents and your sister sound, I know...awesome right? And it was. The four of us took to the roads to go to Colorado for my cousins wedding, some shopping, sight seeing, and a whole lot of laughs.

First stop, Grand Junction to eat at the famous Main Street Cafe, yummy yummy...and sit on this giant bike.

Second stop: Vail. It was just plain beautiful (and fancy) but not too fancy for some silly photos.

Something sure was funny.

What's going on, where did my boobs go in this picture? kinda weird.

Next day while my dad went golfing, the women spent some time shopping in Downtown Denver.

That night my dad took us to a Colorado Rockies baseball game. It's not my favorite sport, a little slow, but the ballpark is really exciting, the people watching is always fun, and you really can't beat the ballpark food.

The view of Denver from the top of the stadium.

Day three we went to Boulder to check out the farmer's market where I bought some balsalmic dark chocolate glaze (sounds weird but super delish) Then we headed over to check out the shopping and street entertainers on Pearl Street.

You wouldn't believe how many people put money in this dude's hat, I am quite sure that he makes more money than my husband, and he's probably not paying taxes. Don't tell Matt, but he might be getting a super tall unicycle and a top hat for Christmas.

Giant Croc anyone?

oh yeah, the whole reason we came, the beautiful wedding.

The Colorado lottery was up to 81 million dollars so I couldn't help myself from spending $2 on a ticket. I wasn't a winner. I guess I'll just have to keep earning my money like everybody else, bummer.

Some of my favorite memories of my trip to Colorado:
*having Lulu to guide us around (my moms GPS)
*laughing at racking up the fees at the crazy toll booths with all our wrong turns
*driving through the Eisenhower tunnel, it's over a mile and a half long!
*the cupcakes at the wedding
*"I can't hear!"
*the comedy channel on xm radio
*the lady with extremely tiny hands that sat in front of us at the baseball game, I couldn't stop staring.
*being on tv (FSN) at the baseball game
*Matt and Alex's vows made me tear up a bit, they were so sweet and well written
*coming home to my four favorite people in all the world who missed me very much

Mexico Part Cinco

2010-08-27T21:29:00.001-06:00

OK one last moment from Mexico and I swear I'll never speak of it again, but trust me it's worth it. I apologize now if you are easily offended. Please forward all complaints to Matt Yarro

Mexico Part Cuatro a.k.a. Coconut Baby

2010-08-19T14:29:00.001-06:00

If you know Millie you know that she has a maternal side of her the size of Texas. She asks for baby dolls every year for her b-day and x-mas. I think she owns about 800 baby dolls. (hence the nickname octomom)

Since the airlines now charge $25 per suitcase, and $100 if that suitcase weighs more than 50 lbs., we left all the dolls at home. Never fear, Millie found a baby to love for the two week vacation... meet coconut baby.

Coconut baby catching some rays.

coconut baby at the beach

frolicking in the sand.

she even built this whole sand scene for a coconut baby photoshoot.

Leaving Coconut baby in Mexico was not easy but I assured her that the hotel housekeeping staff would adopt her and take good care of her.

I think she has started something, this is what/who she is carrying around in a diaper today.

Mexico Part Tres

2010-08-18T17:12:00.002-06:00

We took a taxi into town (Playa Del Carmen) for some souvenir shopping and authentic Mexican food. I bought some Mexican vanilla and a cute handmade throw pillow for my couch.

Somehow it tastes even better than the American version, I am determined to figure out why.

Millie chose to buy these crazy wooden dolls

A giant fish tail being wheeled down the road, not something I see in Lindon very often, and by often I mean EVER!

mmmmmmmmmm guacamole.

Next we went to Cenote Azul, cenotes are created by an underground river system and are cold fresh water sink holes that the Maya considered to be sacred. they are also believed to be the entrance to the underworld. Um, a little unnerving. The water is soooooo deep it turns black. I always get nervous wondering what is living all the way down there watching me swim. There are also tiny fish that love to nibble on the dead skin of your feet. A nice ticklish exfoliater.

Ralph Sr. loves a speedo

Mexico Part Dos

2010-08-17T12:24:00.001-06:00

Matt and I woke up early one morning and headed out to explore the jungle.

We discovered a very cool old building. It looked like it would have been an amazing home but the owners must have ran out of money and left it as is.

It was actually a little eerie walking around in there. (which is why you see Matt carrying a big stick) But we took some cool pictures anyway

Yay for timers on cameras

Mexico Part Uno

2010-08-16T19:07:00.000-06:00

Beach, pool, beach, pool,beach, pool, beach, pool,beach, pool, beach, pool,beach, pool, beach, pool,beach, pool, beach, pool,beach, pool, beach, pool,beach, pool, beach, pool,beach, pool, beach, pool,beach, pool, beach, pool,beach, pool, beach, pool,beach, pool, beach, pool,beach, pool, beach, pool,beach, pool, beach, pool,beach, pool, beach, pool,beach, pool, beach, pool,beach, pool, beach, pool,

My view for 11 days

Just Doing Some Sinning

2010-08-05T21:03:00.003-06:00

Matt gave me tickets to the Brandi Carlile concert many months ago for my birthday. She is one of my favorite singers I own all of her CD's and I love her music. Not until a few days before the concert did we realize that it landed on a Sunday, oops!

Red Butte is always a fun venue. We brought our blankets and snacks and settled in for a great show. She was amazing and didn't disappoint. Possibly even worth breaking the 8th commandment for. I think she sounded better live than she does on her records, how often does that happen? She clearly has a large following from the gay/lesbian community since us heteros were in the minority. It made for some eye opening and interesting people watching.

Isn't she cute? I'm sure her wife thinks so too :)

Antelope Island

2010-08-05T20:46:00.006-06:00

After realizing that I have lived in Utah now for over 20 years and have never been to the Great Salt Lake, my friends and I decided that it was probably something our kids should see. We packed up a lunch and drove the 1 1/2 hours and arrived at Antelope Island.

Upon first arriival it is amazingly beautiful. You can't help but wonder why more people aren't here enjoying the beautiful blue water and soft sand.

Then you start to walk down to the water and you see this!

if you can't tell...those are millions and millions of tiny little bugs, gnats I think.

Plus the water is so salty and burns your eyes and throat that nobody wanted to get in and swim.

She is most likely running from bugs

Nobody except these three naughties. Now imagine these three chumps giving me the scare of my lifetime that had me sobbing while swimming 2 miles in the burning salty water. It's a long story, let's just say a valuable lesson was learned and nobody got hurt.

We are some fairly prolific gals, that's 19 kids birthed from the five of us

Needless to say...I won't be back.

4th of July

2010-08-05T20:27:00.001-06:00

my caera battery was dead the entire holiday, but these are the pics I was able to steal off of facebook.

Millie carried this caterpillar around all night.

Red white and weird!

Hot air balloons in Provo, can you tell that we have to get up really early to get there?

Food Fight 2010

2010-08-05T20:17:00.000-06:00

Bigger and better than ever and always the best way to kick off the summer!

Ladies Road Trip

2010-07-08T17:55:00.000-06:00

Shana is in town from Oklahoma, my family knows what that means ...road trip for me and my friends! Bear Lake was our destination. Treats, silly times, reading up on the trash mags to find the latest celebrity gossip, laying in the sun, and lots of sleeping in!

We rented this bicycle made for four and went around town until we found some frozen yogurt.

Shana chickened out and jumped ship as we went down a steep hill.

Fireman for the Day

2010-06-21T09:55:00.001-06:00

Amy, my mom, and I headed to the Park City outlets for a little shopping day, Of course we can't go to Park City without stopping in to visit Wes (Amy's hubby) at the fire station.

Oops, he accidentally left us all alone with the truck and equipment.

Touch all the buttons you want little Emerson, these big engines are only used to save lives, I am sure the settings are not that important.

Stupid Tears

2010-06-10T09:40:00.004-06:00

My last baby went and graduated from kindergarten. Although I came very close a few times, I didn't cry. (At least that's the story I am telling people)

Seriously. with the singing and the dancing and the skipping down to receive the hard fought diploma from Mr. Theler, I am not made of stone.

No more mornings with just the two of us ever again, more weeping now, I can't take it.

I may need serious medication next fall on the first day of school, I'm just saying.

Too Much of A Good Thing?

2010-06-02T17:40:00.001-06:00

I never have to wonder what I am getting for Mother's day, I have gotten the same thing for the last 5 yrs. It's Archipeligo's Pomegrante body lotion and it's the only scent I wear and have ever worn for the last 5 years and I love it. I have been wearing it long enough that I call it my "signature scent" because I like to pretend that I am a celebrity I guess. Usually Matt buys it at Dear Lizzy's in Highland, but this year they were out of it so he ordered it from an Amazon store.

As soon as I opened it and rubbed it all over me I instantly knew that something was wrong. The fragrance was so faint I could barely smell it. One of the reasons I love this product is because the fragrance is strong and lasting but not overwhelming and I can even smell it on my clothes a day later.

Of course I accused my poor husband of being cheap and buying it from some second hand black market dealer that was selling a cheap knock-off reproduction. I even insisted that he send the seller an accusing e-mail and leave them a bad review on Amazon. I also insisted that he buy me a new bottle direct from Archipeligo. I know it's a little pricey but don't forget... I am a celebrity in my own mind and this is my "signature scent". How could I leave the house without it? As soon as the new bottle arrived I slathered it all over myself.

Guess what...ummmm... same problem, the scent was barely detectable. Oops! (Matt sent an apology to the Amazon vendor)

But I am still fired up, so I sent a feisty e-mail directly to the company explaining this horrible situation, and my righteous indignation with their product (I may have even told them it was my signature scent)

Have you even heard of parabens? After googleing it I found that it is apparently the root of all evil. Archipeligo sent me a e-mail explaining that they have removed it from all of their products and I guess this is why the scent is not as strong. As any good company with quality customer service would do to appease an unhappy customer, they sent me a free bottle.

Anyone want to borrow some faintly scented pomegranate body lotion? I am off to find myself a new signature scent, complete with parabens.

Don't forget to attend the Bijou Market this Saturday, rumor has it that I will have some robot art.

I Love Weddings!

2010-05-24T15:55:00.002-06:00

Thank you to my cousin Aamon for getting married over the weekend. I love weddings...pretty much everything about them. I love being at the temple and I love how weddings bring people and family together. I got to see people I don't get to see very often like my uncle Jon, aunt Roma and uncle Richard, and my 81 yr old grandparents! Weddings are a celebration of love and every time I attend one I feel all giddy remembering my own wedding day and then I get to re-fall in love with Matt all over again. Plus weddings almost always mean really good food.

Four generations of Marchant (my mom's maiden name) women!

Swagger

2010-05-18T14:01:00.002-06:00

Almost makes me want to get a minivan...almost.

Annual Couple's Dinner Party

2010-05-14T15:29:00.002-06:00

Can you imagine if one of your very best friends in the world was a fantastic cook and also ran a cupcake business? Well welcome to my world! A few weeks ago we went to Steph and Dave's annual couple's dinner party and ate the very best Mexican food I have ever eaten.

Is Duane sharing his food with Mary (the dog) in this picture? So busted.

Hurry!!!! someone please tell Duane that Molly has been possessed by demons.

It would be just plain mean, maybe even a sin, to invite us over for dinner and not serve cupcakes. Her house smells like fresh baked cupcakes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 12 months a year. And if you spend even a little amount of time over there your hair will smell like cupcakes all day too. The best perfume in the world some people (people like Matt) might say.

Can you get drunk on cupcakes? I think this picture proves that you can.

I lose track of my camera for a few seconds and this is what I get... a close up of the back of Duane's head. Matt, keep your hands off the equipment please.

Tara and Bella

2010-05-11T16:50:00.000-06:00

I don't know if my grandpa reads my blog anymore but if he does, this video is for him. He has always loved elephants. I am a sucker for sweet animal stories, they make me teary (or maybe it's the PMS) either way this one is so great. Enjoy!

Super Models

2010-05-09T15:32:00.002-06:00

On a whim I entered my girls into a casting call for a modeling gig I read about on one of my favorite blogs. I was really just hoping to have some professional pictures taken by a professional photographer and not have to pay for them. I quickly took some snapshots of them as they were walking out the door to go to school, sent them in and hoped for the best. A week later we got the word that they were picked! Hooray! We got haircuts at Fantastic Sams, (big mistake, Millie's bangs are pretty short, and Isabelle's are just weird. I should have splurged and took them to a real salon) went shopping for some new threads and they even got to miss a couple hours of school. (shhhhhh don't tell CPS) The girls were in heaven and loved every minute of it and I just love how they turned out, Nicole Hill Gurulat did a beautiful job and from what I understand she is very expensive to hire but she actually payed us! Pretty sweet deal huh!

I am so grateful to have these pictures forever!

oh, c'mon, I can barely stand it!

Seriously.

My Latest

2010-04-27T15:26:00.002-06:00

Six new pieces just finished. My art has been taking a different turn lately, I have been experimenting with different subject matter, colors and adding a ton of texture. I love carving words and sayings into the paint and I'm pretty happy with the way they have turned out. Wanna see them in person? Come see me and many other talented artists at the Beehive Bazaar May 5-8 at the Thanksgiving Point Barn.

Ultimate Extreme Hopscotch

2010-04-23T20:19:00.003-06:00

one two three four five six... walk backwards, funky dance move, ballerina spin three times, leap leap leap, bear crawl with a growl, walk like an Egyptian, zig zag scooter ride down the street, chicken dance, zombie walk, skip 3 times, kill a spider, somersault and a big finish!

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, Nick invented Ultimate Extreme Hopscotch. Millers, Nelson's, and Carter's came over to partake in the fierce, cut throat competition.

I was the official timer and score keeper. Matt handed out bonus points for drama and originality. Shauna was a cheerleader.

Emily ended up being the big winner, her prize...the last blue cupcake from Millie's b-day party!

Isn't it amazing what happens when you actually put the x-box controller down and pick up a little sidewalk chalk?

A Tea Party Without Politics

2010-04-19T17:05:00.004-06:00

We only do "friend parties" every other year, so when it's that time, we like to do it up right. This year Millie wanted a Mad Hatter Tea Party just like she saw in Alice In Wonderland. I am not great at a lot of things but one thing I CAN do is throw a pretty good shin dig on a tight budget.

I hit three different thrift stores and bought each girl a teacup and saucer for their place setting. I didn't pay more than 50 cents a piece for any of them. Nothing matched but doesn't that make it better? And since I have no use for all of these tea cups they doubled as the take home gift! Yes.. I can have moments of brilliance now and then.

Once upon a time I collected antique silver plated teapots. These came in very handy, so I filled them with lemonade.

Heart shaped pbj's were a big hit. Put them on a fancy glass pedestal cake plate and they are very special.

Fancy bowls full of candy and fruit added to the splashes of color and whimsy!

Cheers Millie, you are now 6 yrs old!

I found these flower balloons at Partyland, if you blow them up yourself, they are only $1.50! Add in a ton of other balloons, streamers and banners and you have got yourself a pretty festive atmosphere.

Plastic top hats are $1.39 at Partyland also. I glued ribbons, tulle (from Walmart) and a silk flower (a bunch of 6 for for $1.00 at the dollar store) to each one to fancy them up a bit and then let the girls attach glittery foam shapes to them for a time killer.

This is what happens if you get a little too close to the creativity.

We also had a three legged race, balloon races and lots and lots of freeze dance. Did I mention that there was a lot of freeze dance?

One thing I did splurge on, this amazing candle from Partyland. It's $6.99, only works one time and it only lasts about 20 seconds, but I still think it was worth every single penny, have you ever seen such a thing? Please keep your eyes on the candle and not on my not so pretty cake.

Millie, Megan C., Maili B., Brooklyn R., Lucy M., Mariah N., Ari T., and Emma H.

Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto

2010-04-14T17:45:00.002-06:00

My friend Emily had a baby boy last month. I painted this for her. Got me wondering if there is a market for "boy" paintings? Also experimenting with textures, like scratching words and numbers into the paint, what do you think?

Tiny Dancers

2010-04-13T09:48:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite nights of the year. DANCE RECITAL! Driving back and forth to the studio twice a week (ok I admit Kim did most of that), hours and hours of practice, and hundreds of dollars... all for those two short minutes on stage. As soon as I wonder if it's all worth it, I look at their beaming faces.

Millie performed to Lenny Kravitz, (or maybe it was Cream?) "American Woman" and Isabelle performed to "I'm So Excited"

Millie's buns

clearly I have no idea how to take a good picture with the flash off, but then I thought that maybe they looked sorta cool and artsy? maybe?

A fabulous night is even better when you are there with your bff's!

All the grandparents (and even Nick) came and sat through all of the dance numbers, how nice to have so much family around, esp. when they bring flowers.

Millie Needs a Spanking!

2010-04-12T10:07:00.007-06:00

My darn kids, I keep telling them to stop, but they don't listen, they just keep on growing and getting older and bigger... so I spank them. Millie had her 6th birthday on the 9th so we spanked her 6 times and threw in a pinch to grow on. (I'm pretty sure the title of this blog post will bring some creepy men to my blog that will be very disappointed at what they find)

6 Things You Might Not Know About Millie

*she won't eat a meal unless she has a napkin
*she sleeps in very late, (I think her bff's Lucy, Megan, and Mariah hate this)
*she loves clothes as much as toys, (uh oh, this one may be my fault)
*she owns so many baby dolls we like to call her octomom
*she wants to marry Justin Beiber
*she always smells good

Happy birthday to my baby girl!

we will be celebrating this big day with no less than 4 parties, that is what happens when you have a lot of family that live close by. She's pretty much spoiled rotten..it's gross.

Easter in Pictures

2010-04-07T22:09:00.003-06:00

Can I just say, I do not like conference and Easter on the same day. I want to be able soak each one in and it's just not possible. I love the busy excitement of Easter and I love the slow relaxing feeling of conference, they just don't mix and I felt jilted somehow. But we still managed.

oh those lips... my beautiful girl, there's no church so why not wear your pj's all day?

After dying eggs, my mom sent the kids on a scavenger hunt around her house to find their baskets...cuz she's awesome like that.

racing to the finish!

ahhhh success!!!!

Boys are never too old for water guns from the Easter bunny.

then the dads hid all the eggs for the hunt

Good times, even in scary man clogs.