Hi, My Name is Sarah

Dearest ones, I apologize for my lack of communication as of late. I regret to inform you that I have been otherwise engaged with the following:

Head Camp Counselor at Cousin Camp 2011

Enjoying my beautiful new niece, Lily

Hosting Best Best and Family for Park City, 2011

That was just July, stay tuned for August, September & October!

Lifers, Part 1

Through our 10 years, Kelly and I have enjoyed many friendships. Some we still talk to frequently and others we take time to catch up during the holidays or through blogging. There are however a few couples that will remain forever life friends no matter how infrequently we see them. Most of these friends were made in the newlywed stages of our life. Friends we spent years with in San Fran knew us before we had children and life was fresh and new. We were all poor and a little homesick, finding unity with those in similar situations. What fun we had as kid-less couples, living it up in the City By The Bay. Then came our friends who helped us through Residency, a stressful time. We were new parents, as were they, adoring our babies and having fun planning for the future. These were bonding times. Now, we don't live by most of these friends, but love taking time to see them on vacation, where it feels like no time has passed. This last week we had a chance to see two of these said friends.
The Rebers are close school/residency friends who we loved living by and were so sad when they moved to AZ. We had a great time with them in Las Vegas while the husbands were busy learning how to fix feet, the wives and children played (and played).
The Emetts knew us as we began the residency years: Kelly, always gone and me, an apartment manager. They met us for a weekend in Zions, one of their favorite vacation spots. We appreciated their graciousness as they showed us around this magnificent place.
We laugh now at how our families have grown. What started as both of us having one, has now turned into growing families with lots of kids. They have seen how far we've come, and vice-versa. We feel lucky to have several of these friendships and know we will be friends through life, lifers.

Must be Nana...

Mountian Dew in the Fridge, Lucky Charms in the Pantry, Pumpkin's with Stickers all around the house, Bath and Body Works Air Fresheners replenished in every room, Spaghetti Factory leftovers, all of the children's clothes washed and returned to their place and three little ones who weren't the least bit sad we were gone, adds up to a weekend with Nana. Kel and I couldn't say no to a (all expense paid) long weekend in Scottsdale, staying at the most fabulous place (for free) for the Doctor to complete some "Training" . Can you blame us? I did some training of my own by the pool, reading the most fun book: The Hunger Games. We felt so lucky to get away on a well needed restful trip and can't thank my Mom enough for all of her goodness and patience with our kids. Thank you Nana, next time we'll take you with us....but then we'll need someone else to fill her large care-taking shoes.....any takers?

Go Green!

In celebration of Earth Day/Month the children and I enjoyed some earth friendly activities:

We took in the beauty of Mother Nature's greatest Spring Masterpiece:

THE TULIP! (red being the Fav)

The Official Earth Day found us on a LONG journey into the

"CITY" on Public Transit, making many

new and colorful friends. I still think of "Captn" and LuLu, wondering how

he's doing with Bladder cancer and if he still has his eye-patch.

We walked more, and learned that Dad is pretty smart when he tells us NOT to walk

in flip-flops.

I also picked a beautiful tree for our backyard, a clump mountain ash. I love our earth and am becoming more GREEN with each passing year. "Captn" was explaining to me that there is no need for a car in this town; public Transit is great. I agreed but asked if it ever bothered him that it took so much longer than driving. His response was simple: Isn't life about the Journey? Yes "Captn", I believe it is.

Party Time!

So, I was looking for something for Lizzy and I to do while she was off track, and came up with this:

Let's Learn How to Plan A Party!

We first needed a THEME (I just don't know how to plan a successful party without one!)

We all agreed that "Cele-bake" Valentines Day would be the most fun.

Next, we learned how to create a guest list & make invitations.

This was hard because Lizzy wanted to invite EVERYONE.

So, to make it easier on her, I limited it to those who went to her school,

and who were also out for Valentines Day.

Then there was Decorations to be made and
APRONS to sew,

(thanks to my neighborhood apron exchange,

I already had the perfect apron for the occasion).....

And fun to be had!

Was this an educational experience for Lizzy? Maybe a little bit.

Was it fun and memorable? Definitely!

Would I do it again? Yep. In a heart-beat!

On The Road Again!

Emily kept us all entertained on the drive!

Not everything is adult only in Vegas (but close enough)

Some may think I'm crazy, others might say I'm nuts, a few would say I'm lucky for taking our kids to the desert at the peak of summer. My answer is simple: Sacrifices must be made in order to experience Great Rewards. I mean to say, swimming was fun, Vegas isn't a place for kids (or me for that matter) but it has great shopping and yummy food, taking naps every afternoon was wonderful, but the true pay off was singing along with The Von Trapp's in the Sound of Music. Priceless!! To my benefit, my little girls couldn't agree more. Luckily we had Nana and Emily to enjoy (or endure) the trip with us and I am already looking forward to next summer.

"Wrapped Around Your Finger"

In Celebration of 9 Happy Years Together,

The Police Treated us with their amazing musical talents!

Under the "invisible sun" we rocked out singing "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da" with help from Kurt & Natalie (Kelly's brother and sister-in-law) and 15,000 others, some of whom we wanted to say: "Don't Stand So Close To Me". Kelly reminded me that "Every little thing I (she) does is Magic" and I confessed that I am still "Wrapped Around Your Finger". We both said we just "Can't Stand Losing You" and pledged to continue our love for each other in "Every Breath You (We) Take". And if there should ever be a time in our marriage that we need to rekindle the flame, we will send out an "SOS" right away and run to the nearest Police Concert!

All silliness aside, Kel and I absolutely loved the concert! They treated us with all of their hits and a few more. It was a beautiful evening under the stars and proved to be a wonderful way to celebrate our anniversary. The celebration will continue next weekend as we fly off to a coastal town on a well needed weekend away!

This is the Life!

I {HEART} July, and here's Why:

A) I'm still Queen on The Slide!

B) Our Kids are Happiest in the Pool

C) Educational Opportunities

ex: How to Build a Dam

D) The Enjoyment of some well deserved time off

E) Bonding time with my brothers, sister & sister-in-laws

and playing with our baby nephews!

F) Watching the parade, a 30+ year tradition

I look forward to this time every year and am never disappointed!

Catch-Up!

Spa Sarah was Simply Divine! Here's a quick recap:

Day 13- Went straight from the airport to BurgerVille which has the greatest Strawberry Shakes EVER (I have been dreaming of them since my May trip last year). I was so happy to count that as Day 13.

Day 14- Mani-Pedis- Don't they look great!

Day 15- Shopping 'Serendipity' as Phoebe described it! We shopped it all from Walmart to Anthropology and I dare say found killer things at both.

Day 16- Ate at one of my favorite places to go with a girlfriend! Who doesn't love a good chat over some chips & salsa. I love Phoebs because we always have great chats!

Day 17- HOT STONE MASSAGE, need I say more?

Day 18- How perfect was it that I came to visit Phoebe on the Temple Marriage lesson (she serves it up in the Y.W.'s)?? Awesome! We went to church and then enjoyed a fun walk down by the river; it was the perfect backdrop to savor my last day there. Thanks to Phoebe, I was able to check many things of my 30 days list! Thank you Phoebe & Family for a wonderful visit, can't wait for next year!

Day 19- Had a great reunion with my family, came home to a clean home and relaxed for the rest of the day, not unpacking a single thing!

Day 20- Turned off the Phone and played with the girls and Max!

Would-A Should-A Could-A

You know all of those times where you think: "I SHOULD have said......, If I WOULD of said....., I COULD of said.....???" Well, I finally had one of those moments that I DID SAY IT! I was so proud of myself that I shared the tale (sparing no dirty detail) with a group of friends. One of those great friends was so proud of me that she certainly did post it on her blogg! I couldn't help but post it on mine. Thanks Steph for capturing the exact feelings in your writing! Enjoy, and by the way, I am coming out of the closet.....I AM BROOK.



“I don't believe; I know.”--Carl Jung



A good friend of mine had an interesting experience lately. I'll call her “Brooke” to protect her anonymity. Brooke took her three beautiful children to a car wash near the part of town she grew up. Behind her, she heard someone calling her; by her maiden name. The thought crossed her mind to pretend she didn't hear since she did not feel like seeing anyone from high school. She turned around anyway. There was Lindsey, an acquaintance from school. They engaged in polite conversation: how cute Brooke's kids were, how her husband finished med school and is now a doctor, etc. Brooke asked Lindsey, “So are you going to have children soon?” Lindsey replied that because of her career, she didn't want kids right now. She added,“Especially since I got my augmentation done, my career has really taken off.”“Oh! What exactly is your career?” inquired Brooke.“I'm not ashamed to say it—I'm an exotic dancer,” replied Lindsey.Brooke wondered briefly what to say to that, when Lindsey went on,“Yeah, having that new hospital next to the club has been great for business, too. Doctors come in all the time: during lunch, when they are off shift, and stuff. I have to say, they are really great tippers.”Trying to muster a response, Brooke said something like, “Wow.”Lindsey repeated, “we see doctors a lot, in fact, I bet I've danced for your husband!”“No, I don't think so.” Brooke emphatically replied.Lindsey snapped back, “That's what all the wives say.”Brooke looked her in the eye and answered, “Actually, Lindsey, I think most women know when their husbands are SCUM BAGS.”Hooray Brooke!

My Bright Sides:

Sometimes in life you have to look on the bright side of things right? Here are some bright moments in the past few bleak winter weather weeks:

Max is now saying "MaMa" like he really cares! He will call my name and look for me. Yes, he has been making the "M" sound for awhile but, I never felt like he made that connection until now. It is one of my most favorite things: hearing our baby say our names (especially mine). We love this little guy and all of the funny, sweet, messy things he does in all of his 15 month glory.
Lizzy went on a Daddy daughter ski trip and was thrilled beyond belief. She did amazingly well under the direction of her very patient and loving Daddy. She loved it and can't wait to go with both Mommy and Daddy again soon. I wasn't at all surprised to hear her favorite part was the hot chocolate breaks.....that's my girl!

Having a husband who loves our kids and enjoys spending time with our family is one of the greatest blessings in my life. I realize more and more how lucky I was that he wanted to marry me. When Daddy comes home is the best time of the day. Am I right or what?

And last but certainly not least, little Rose LOVES SUNBEAMS! Rosie is a sunbeam in every sense of the word. She brings such warmth and light hearted fun to our family. Young Rosie didn't care for nursery a whole lot, she always wanted to go with her Sis to Primary. When her chance FINALLY came she rose to the challenge with much enthusiasm. She has already learned some new songs and stories to entertain and "teach" us, and she has been blessed with two of the greatest teachers ever.

So, there you have it! All is well with our family. Now if I could just get the office organized I would really be doing some high kicks!

"Sing Us A Song,

you're the piano man, sing us a song tonight." AND HE DID!!

Just got home from seeing Billy in concert for the first time, but hopefully not the last. LOVED IT. LOVED HIM. It was such a blast. A big THANKS to Ann for inviting me to a night I won't soon forget.