Ahh..Land of my Ancestors.

Something inside has to appreciate the sentiment. Especially after driving on the Beltway.

The Spooks are Out!

It's Pumpkin Time

Richard and Edna

I love this picture. It speaks volumes to me. Grandma grew up in Tauranga, New Zealand. She was raised on a farm and was the second youngest child of my Greatgrandfather Oliver (who looked like Tom Selleck) and Katherine Jane Borrell. She had wild older brothers who worked the land with her father and who also saved her from a herd of running cows. She had great stories about farm life. Sitting in the orchard eating fruit right off the branch. She could paint a beautiful story about all the little flowers growing around her house as a child. How violets got their golden hearts, why dew rests gently on plant tips, and how to keep little critters off of your tomato (toe-mah-toe) plants, to name a few of her lovely stories. As a teenager, just before she went into Nurses training, she and a friend went backpacking on South Island, New Zealand. She told me of how she and her friend went to South Island with little money, but determined to make an exciting trip. They went from farm to farm, exploring mostly on foot the beautiful country side there.

She met Grandpa when she was 22, shortly after her Nurses training was completed. He was serving his mission in New Zealand. Her family was prominent in the church and knew the missionaries quite well. Grandpa came back to New Zealand specifically with her in mind. They courted and Grandpa purposed on One Tree Hill.

I don't know where they were married but I know they had to be married in a civil ceremony, then make the boat trip to Hawaii to be sealed in the temple. They lived the first 14 years of marriage in Hamilton, New Zealand. Grandpa was on a "Temple construction mission". During my Mother's formative years she recalls times as being financially tight, as construction workers relied on church paid housing, church paid food, and clothes donations to make ends meet. However as people of that generation did, they were content and made things work. Out of the clothing donations Grandmother wouldn't choose children's clothes for her kids, as she felt they were too worn. Instead she'd find clothes that had good material, take them home, pull them apart and make her children's clothes with the fabric. The day came when she needed new Sunday clothes for her two girls (my Mom and Aunty Uku (Louisa). She pulled apart her lovely wedding dress (which she made herself) and made beautiful church dresses.
But that was Grandma's "style" she didn't hold on to things that were not "useful". My uncles can attest to that. Uncle Henry lost his vintage Marvel comic book collection during one of Grandma's spring cleaning sprees. To her it was a box of useless kiddie books. Henry was upset at her and I'm sure that collection would be worth a pretty penny today. She also tossed Uncle Oliver's hand made model car collection while he was on his mission and Uncle Joseph's Handmade Star Wars Model collection while he was on his mission as well (his Millenium Falcon--was among the items tossed).

She didn't see the sense in such knick knacks. If you couldn't use it every day then what was the point. She grew up on a farm for heaven's sake, use it until it can't be used any longer and make due with what you've got. I'm glad I inherited something from her (perhaps this is why I have a hard time with "fashion", I haven't "worn out" all my clothes yet).

Granpa was a different breed all together. He grew up in Apia, Samoa. His mother Louisa or affectionately "Nanny" as I call her, was also a part of my life growing up. She seemed to always be bed ridden and had a thick Samoan accent. She would tell me story after story when I was a child. Among the stories were many about how she raised her children. She valued education and sent her children to a school run by the Catholics. She would tell her sons to never cross themselves or partake of their sacrament, but be good boys and do as teacher says. She was probably the primary reason my Grandfather had impeccable English. Since he was taught by a New Zealander he had a very British sounding accent. He was a perfectionist and never mispelled words, or used bad grammar. As a child I found it hard doing homework at his house, as he would sometimes come over to see how I was doing and he would correct me, the way any good Son of Samoa would, with sterness. Drips of sweat would fall from my brow and it was hard to think under that kind of pressure. Yet I still to this day hold my pencil "the correct way" and know how to spell many words, because of Grandpa's tutoring. He was a man you listened to and obeyed--yet there was always a twinkle in his eye and I was never in doubt that he loved me beyond words.

Grandpa was a Second generation mechanic and worked on cars during his years on Temple Construction. His father Oliver was a well known "church" mechanic and many old-timer-island folks often speak affectionately of Great Grandpa and Grandpa fixing their cars.

Grandpa could make anything out of a block of wood. He made rifle and gun handles, he made the most beautiful sculpture of a Samoan chief down on one knee praying to God.

He also had dead aim. He has been known to shoot squirrels out of his tomato garden, and kill a mouse with a soda can thrown in the dark. Yes, Granpa was a man, a force you would not or should not reckon with.

The perfect memories are the ones filled with my Grandparents playing ukulele together. They would sing songs like "Sea breeze, sea breeze, send a message to the one I love.....", "Haere Mai", and lots of others I can't even recall the words to. Their voices were beautiful together.

My Grandparents were a mix of the old, the odd, and the faithful. I have often in the corners of my mind remembered spending nights at their house. Helping prepare meals ar cleaning dishes or folding laundry. Their laughter and love are greatly missed. They were special, with more stories than I can ever write. But they live on in my heart.

Hey Ya - Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra

This video puts a smile on my face. Now where's my ukulele?

my little pony song

here is a song X was singing while playing with ponies.

School Open Houses We're All Nuts!

can we say schnoozers? I've been to a few school open houses in my day, but this one has GOT to be the most boring, mind numbing hour of my life. Right now I am sitting in the back staring at the scene posted above. Be glad you are where ever you are at! On a side note I do enjoy my mobile blogging capabilities. Toodles.

A moment in Life

When the older sisters are slaving away in their classrooms X and I are enoying turtle races at the park.

Yee-Haw!

Gotta love being 3!

Foux De Fa Fa by Flight of the Conchords

Any thoughts on this video. I think it is hilarious and had to share.

Tagged by Brooke

1.) Where did I meet my husband?

It's really a sad, pitiful story the way we met (at least on my end). Imagine BYU intramural sports, then imagine me playing on the same team as Derek. The truth of the matter is I embarrassed myself at least a half a dozen times in front of Derek. Volleyball games went something like this....

10 foot tall guy jumps up for a strike, he uses his split second, volleyball, super hero skills to find the WEAKEST link on the opponents team, then WHAM goes for it. Poor weakest link (a.ka. ME) was hit I don't know how many times. Poor, silly, uncooridinated me thinks up a great game plan to avoid the pain of a volleyball hitting my sholder, my chest, my head at lighting speed. The plan...swerve to get out of the ball's line of fire (much to my team mates dissatisfaction). Yet amid all this embarrassment and humiliation, Derek still tried to flirt with me (although I just thought he was heckling me). His flirting went something like this.....

I just swerved to miss a ball coming right for me between the eyes. I cower in the fetus position on the floor. My team lets out a sorrowful sigh at my apparent failure to "go for it". Then I feel a tug at my shirt from behind. I turn around to see Derek, large grin plastered on his face. Behind the grin a melody of chuckles. I start thinking to myself "Whoa man I know I STINK, please DON'T rub it in."

Later on he assures me he thought my lack of volleyball prowess was "cute" and thus I landed on his list of datable BYU ladies.

Touching, I know.

2.) What was the first thing you said to your husband?

It wasn't so much real language as my first words were body language. I believe after the example listed above the first thing spoken to Derek was my signature eye rolling. Which at the time meant "back off dude, I'm just trying to survive out here on this vicious court". Since my first encounter with him, He has mastered the Bucky-eye-rolling language fluently.

3.) Where was your first date?

The Skyroom. Perfect choice, especially as we both were excited about ordering the specialty drinks, in that moment I knew it was a match made in Non-alcoholic beverage heaven.

4.) Where was your first kiss?

On my friend's couch. I still remember that couch it looked something like this:

Romantic isn't it?

6.) Where did you get engaged?

Bell Tower at BYU--so typical I know. But the story is great. So I'll share it.

Derek asked my friend Colomba to help him figure out a unique way to propose. She and him devised a plan to take me on a walk--there would be lighted candles leading to "the spot". Then he would give me the ring and a granola bar (or something of that sort---You see she was trying to work into the proposal the long standing joke (or reality really) of me being somewhat of a "granola girl"), and then he'd pop the question.

Well the day before this was all going to take place Derek and I went to a party and we ended up at the Bell Tower afterwards, where he stole my journal and upon noticing he had my journal there was the dialogue---"Oh my gosh, give that back. How much did you read?" To which Derek replied, "Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha! long pause while Derek catches his breath "Ha, ha,ha,ha,ha!"

Ok fast forward a few seconds, me looking in my journal hoping everything is "decent" nothing that would embarrass me. Then me finding a list of compliments and the words "Will You Marry Me?". I was over joyed and SOoooooo happy he didn't really read my journal, at least I hope not.

Then fast forward to me calling my friend Colomba to tell her Derek proposed. To which she responds "that sucks!"

"Huh, what", that wasn't really the response I was looking for.

Then she tells me about the plans for the candles and what not and how she already bought the candles....

So there you have it.

7.) Where were you married?

St. Louis Missouri temple.

8.) How did the reception go?

Hmmmm.... Basically I don't remember much, except I really didn't eat anything and I was exhausted afterwards. I do distinctly remember my car being trashed by the kids who decided to decorate it with ketchup and ham. It was the worst decorated "just married" car ever. We got great presents and enough money to last a trip to Utah, money to move into an apartment and start a bank account.

9.) How was the honeymoon?

Derek had a choice honeymoon or car. He asked me which and I said car, to which he agreed. So we used this honeymoon on wheels to drive from Missouri to Utah. We did stop in Denver however, where we went to an amusement park. We just went on a 10 year anniversary vacation and that is to make up for the lack of a honeymoon really.

refer to http://mcsmash.blogspot.com/2007/08/did-i-say-i-wanted-to-relax.html It was great.

Wow..this was definitely a trip down memory lane.

I tag the Jessicas. Jessica C. and Jessica P. Oh yeah and Wendy If you don't mind that is. :)

Cute Baby

Things have been crazy today, but thank goodness for those sweet baby moments that just brighten the day!

Thanks cwazy babee!

Also thanks everyone who gave really AWESOME advice for my guilty confession. It has really helped me feel more at ease. It's a hard pill to swallow to give up your pride or stick up for yourself, or just forgive someone who offends you. However it makes it easier when you feel other people understand you and give out such wonderful compliments and advice, which helps me feel less awful and more accepted. I still don't know how I'll act on Sunday but I have such great ideas that I'm working on a strategy to help me keep my cool and forgive and forget. You guys are great!

Hugs and kisses to you all! (or y'all as Brooke would say he,he,he).

Did I Say I Wanted to Relax?

Well truth is the day of relaxation and "fun in the sun" took place over the past 4 days and they were amazing! These special treats do need special occassions however. I think Derek and I's 10th anniversary is reason enough to leave the kids with Grandma for 4 days and have a marvelous and joy filled vacation in Sanibel Island, Florida. Just the two of us. It was refreshing and wonderful to be with the one you love and realize, how much you really LOVE them.

Ahhh...It was like ten years ago, except better. I think we know one another better and enjoy those special quirks that drove each other crazy oh, for the first few years.

It was as if we were kids again, except for the fact that we are wiser and way more grateful for every little thing we got to do together.

We biked like mad, crazy, lunatics all over that island. By day two my legs were so sore (I think we biked 20 miles that day and I'm not kidding), yet it was so worth it.

We saw...

Gators!!

Dolphins carrying mailboxes?

Thousands and thousands of shells!

Snakes--eek!

Beautiful sunsets :)

We saw exotic birds, exotic flowers, even a jumping fish and a shark (wish we snapped a picture of the shark--yikes!)

but best of all and most importantly we saw.....

a lot

of just us!

Happy 10th Anniversary!!

Regina Spektor - Fidelity

What I'm watching.

Have you Ever....?

Felt like this......

and wanted to be here?
so you may feel like this?

Yeah, me too :)

A girl can day dream can't she?

I love my Geek.

A geek is an individual who is highly intelligent (brainy) and technically oriented.

Ok, ok I know that this is supposed to be about "our inner geek". However I thought about the few technical things I do and I realized that anything computer oriented I do which takes even the least amount of trouble shooting I automatically refer to my own personal life-sized computer tech. So to sweet Derek who has to listen to "could you help me do this" "how do you do that" "couldn't you just do it for me? it'd be a whole lot faster". I thank him for being my own personal "inner geek reference" guide.

I puzzle him so much don't I? Love ya honey!

Just a Thought

Here's a little Family update.

Summer so far has consisted of:

X dancing outside in ballerina outfits, princess outfits, her undies, her birthday suit, and her swim suit. I thought I'd keep my blog G rated--She's a cute ballerina isn't she?

X playing with the camera non-stop, she and I take many shots like this.....

And like this. She usually tells me to act like a doggy. Note the fingernails--those are the result of X's nail polish expertise.

Catching frogs. L's favorite thing to do this summer is go to the state park and catch miniature frogs. She usually stows them away in her water bottle. Perhaps you can make out this one floating in the water.

Many sister moments. Here they are flashing the peace sign. Which is kinda funny cause I think they do that mostly because they've been watching Japanese anime with their Aunty Hanna lately.

We had a pretty stylish fourth. At least as stylin as I can be seeing how I'm a little bit fashion challenged. I thought they looked cute though.

L chose those sunglasses her self and even for X. I think she's proud of her find.

Derek looking as handsome as ever. We've been doing quite a bit of paddle boating and row boating at the state park as well.

Here I am doing some paddle boat loungin.

X enjoys a little snack on her paddle rides. Note the glasses her older sis picked out for her. Completely cool.

The whole clan joined in on the paddle boating during the fourth of July. Grandma enjoyed feeding the very hungry and agressive geese (can you see them starting to swarm them?).

The high schoolers and college kids came along too. This is right before Derek and I (remember we are older and wiser) plastered them with our hidden super soaker stash. It was like Pirates of the Carribean, except on paddle boats and instead of cannons--the well stowed away super soakers. So sad we were too busy getting them drenched to take pictures, they would've been classic. We did give them a couple of super soakers and after a while and they got their revenge pretty well I'd say.

We've also been hangin out at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. However the camera seemed to die at this point and my last picture was typical X sticking her tongue out. Ahh.....summer gotta love it!

Which Character Are you?

Take the Quiz here!

For some reason I'm not completely buying how they got Elizabeth Bennet from my answers, but I'll take it!
Elizabeth Morse, I'm really interested to know which one you are!

Favorite Things Package Has Arrived!

Yeah! It was so fun participating in the "3 Favorite Things" gift exchange. My exchange partner was Michelle who is a very talented and busy woman from Layton Utah (how's the move going?). She's also ultra-crafty. She hodge podged a school box with music paper, ribbon, and a very cute picture. She really ejoys Mary Englebreit and sent me a cute little box with a Mary Englebreit design (I love Mary Englebreit also and almost sent out an old Home Companion magazine I have but thought "what if she doesn't like that style?--Ha! I just might send you out a copy now anyway). She also made the cutest cards out of pictures of pretty tulips, a home made apron, hair band, and bracelets (the hair band and bracelets my kids grabbed up so fast that they have been wearing them the past two days). Here's a picture of my stash of Michelle's favorite things.

* notice the loss of the hair band and bracelets, my girls took them before I could even take a picture.

Michelle it was fun getting to know a little more about you!

SPT Picture TIMEZ!!

Hi, this is bucky's husband stepping in for a guest blog entry. How exciting!

When I first heard of this week's SPT challenge, I had several ideas for a picture fly through my brain but then the reality of a late tuesday evening began to set in. So I had to settle for a past picture that I took of my wonderful, charming wife not too long ago on a visit to the old Fort Story Lighthouse.

I'm a stereotypical guy when it comes to describing things, so let me iterate my thoughts as briefly as I can with bullet points:

(My first impressions)

We're pretty high up, I hope this thing doesn't tip over!

Does she know that pose is really dorky?

Oh wait! She's gonna get after me for that one... uh redo!
Does she know that pose is really dorky?

She know how COOL that pose looks?

It's really hot! How does she keep looking so cool?

The only thing I like about France are the french fries

(Me guessing at what she's thinking)

Where's the Beef?

Ta daaa! Here's your new lighthouse!!

Walk like an egyptian!

Here we are! We made it to the top

(My feelings after the initial impressions have passed)

Bucky is a lot of fun, look at her face and pose. It's as if she's saying "what's next?"

She has such a beautiful happy smile, one of the things that I found most attractive about her (even with the Ugly Betty braces which she still had when I met her)

How does she get such a darker tan than I do?!?!

Boy did I get lucky! She had no idea who/what she was marrying! heheheh :-D

Well, that's all I've got. Hope you enjoy it!

SPT--What are your "True Colors"?

What are your true colors?

Ok anyone who knows me knows I LOVE color. Hello when I went to England for the Summer my big find was a pair of red jeans? I know, it's a little, odd--but hey so am I so what ever. I really thought that I would be putting red down today, but I took a good look at all my pictures and the color I saw most of in my house (I might add on the things that I hand painted) tends to be of the green variety. I do love green, I just didn't realize that I gravitate towards it as much as I do.

In Tulsa the budget was tight so the dresser in back, which I found by the trash can was promptly painted green and used as our entertainment center, notice other green accents.

I loved my place in Provo. Look at the blind I painted green and in the right corner a thrift store find I painted green--oh and green filing boxes.

Ok the armoire is what you get a tiny glimpse of and I painted that a mixture of green colors as I ran out of my trusty green paint and started mixing in my various shades of green acrylic paint into the green latex paint I had. On a side note that was L's favorite bird/friend for the two years we had him--sadly a neighbor girl opened our window when the bird was out of his cage and he flew away :( We like to think he is in the lush, green amazon living the good life with his other bird friends :)