Ode to Harry Potter

Dear JK Rowling,
Thank you for writing the Harry Potter series. I enjoyed reading books 1-4 during my most boring college classes. Books 5-7 were read whilst ignoring mundane household tasks. I love ignoring mundane household tasks, so thank you once again. Finally thank you for giving the planet's populous an excuse to dress up as witches whilst frolicking about in this crazy, mixed up, Muggle World.

Hasta La Pasta Haree Potta!

XOXO
Katherine

P.S. In Honor of the Last installment of Harry Potter I give you wannabe witch photos circa 2004. I miss Gardner's Village Witches Night Out. Also miss my wonderful witchy commrades--Adriane and Mako. I'd like to have a Witches Night Out reunion or go see the movie together--all dressed up and everything. What spell might I cast to make that happen?!
Expecto Patronum!

You Might Be a Parent of a Teenager If. . .

.....you go through pictures on your camera and find your little bundle of joy bust out faces like this on 99.9% of your photos. Look even Dad's trying to look chipper. Why so down clown? She's only 12--not technically a teenager yet. Oh heaven help me!

I KNEW It Wasn't Me!

How sad and ashamed was I when on my last phone call with my Uncle Henry before he died, he brought up something that he was ashamed of me for doing. He informed me that he wasn't too pleased with stuff I was writing about him online.
I was like "what are you talking about?" He told me that he found something I had wrote like 10 years ago and he didn't like that I had made fun of him. Ok I don't know if I had really said it but I was ashamed of myself for whatever it was I had written (he told me it was about how he would pick the lock on the fridge to get food and some other stuff in our family). I really couldn't recall ever writing such things, but I know I have a big mouth sometimes so I just apologized and felt really GUILTY!
So today I was looking for something about my Samoan culture when I stubbled upon THIS!
It was what he was talking about. But the thing is it's so Samoan that I didn't even write it, but he thought I was talking about him and my family. Hahahaha! I can't believe it.
My conscience is clear and my belly hurts from laughing so hard. Cause if you be Samoan, then you know all this is true! Enjoy!

taken from:
http://blssooalo.tripod.com/samoan-humor.html

From: K Smith (Not--me K Smith though)

Date: Sat, Mar 4 2000 2:20:54 PM -0800 (PST)

You are Samoan if:

your dad can tell you to clear the dishes by slapping the table and waving his hand

your dad watches TV lying on the floor even when there are plenty of chairs

your dad changes the TV channel with a pink eraser tied to the end of a ruler

your parents think a Ritz cracker box and foil make a TV antenna

your dad leaves a note in the shower saying don’t move the showerhead because it’s adjusted to the correct height (his and it hits your stomach) and then he signs it with his full name, like no one knows who would do such a thing?

your dad makes you scrub the toilet bowl with your hand and a rag because the American brush can’t do the job right

your dad thinks a hamburger is really 2 pieces of white bread with all kinds of leftovers in between. You like?

there is no lock on the bathroom door and all kinds of people keep coming in and you pretend you’re just relaxing

when your parents sing and play ukulele songs on the toilet

when your dad thinks the pamu (enema) cures everything even a headache

when you hang toilet bowl deodorant from your car mirror for air freshener

when you hang cemetery flowers on your dashboard for decoration

when you hang shell necklaces around photos on walls

when you mix spaghetti with rice

your grandma’s bedroom is full of old cocacola bottles and coconut oil she uses to fo’afo’a you

when your grandma looks like a peaceful sweet old lady on Sunday but she is really twisting your ear and pinching your auaga and every other day she watches wrestling on TV and yells "fusu fusu loa" while boxing the air

your grandma air dries her underwear on bushes and sidewalks in front of your house

your parents make you drink tree bark when you are sick and put axle grease on a gaping wound (you don’t need no stinkin doctor)

your grandma tells you any problems you might get happen because of your wickedness like you get mugged and robbed because you must have sinned sometime

you smile at white people then talk bad about their anatomy behind their backs

you make your own birthday cake and still get a sasa on your birthday

you and all your bros and sis get a sasa just cos your dad is mad and he says its good anyway because you probably did lots of bad things he doesn’t know about

haircut days are good for a lot of head slapping and crooked hair

your head looks like a duck’s muli when your dad is done cutting your hair

you have to sit outside in your underwear while your dad yells, slaps and cuts your hair and keeps tapping the scissors on the comb just before he slaps you with it

your dad buys you housedresses to wear to your first job as a J.C. Penney’s salesgirl

your dad says you look like a gorilla when your hair is dry (because it is bushy) but it looks just like his because that’s where it came from

your parents forbid you to look at boys and you must always put your hair in a pangi but you cannot ever cut it or wear it down

your parents expect you to dance some sexy hula with your eyes closed so you still can’t look at boys

when your legs are bigger, stronger and faster than an NFL lineman

when you’re a woman and you weigh more than an NFL lineman but you look smaller

when you help yourself to your neighbors donuts

when your dad can hit your head sitting 6 feet away during the prayer at church

when your dad chains the fridge closed to keep your 500 pound brother on a diet and your brother never loses weight because he knows how to slip the chain off and on

when your white friends come to your house and wonder why your dad is wearing a sheet?

when every shoe at the front door is as big as a boat

when the chairs are covered with plastic

whenever you walk past a dog you have an uncontrollable urge to kick the dog for no reason (just genetic)

when the dog cringes and goes "ow ow ow" before you even get near it

when you see a Samoan man beating up 4 rednecks and they all crawl away and the next day the Samoan says he’s sorry he kicked the guys so hard cos his foot hurts

when you go to McDonald’s drivethru in a towel and still jump out of your truck to fight cos someone called you a meauli

when your mom buys ballgowns to wear to church

even your dog has that superior, get your muli out of here look

when a dog bites your leg and the doctor is stitching it up, the doctor feels sorry for the dog not you. love you all

Ia fanks a lot K Smith...MALO!

***I just copied and pasted that and to any and all family-- if this hits too close to home then just know there are like a gazillion K. Smiths out there and I don't think I could have come up with this list all by myself. So it's some other K. Smith you gots beef with :)

Happy Birthday Hobbit!

What would life be like without little Xela? She is our smiles and laughter, our bouncy, curly haired girl.





Xela, you are growing up so fast, but you will always be a young soul, I can feel it already. You are uncomplicated, wearing your heart on your sleeve.



You endure complications so well, I know you will be the shoulder for others as you grow up. You remind me of my closest friend, my Aunt Christel, whom you will never know in this life time. I see her in you and I think this may be a blessing from above.

I love watching you dance the robot and bust out break dancing moves, it makes me smile. When I have a bad day, as Moms do, your brightness lightens my burdens.

I love you very much! Happy 7th Birthday!

Blooming

Lately I've been feeling like the little sprouty, flowers poking up out of the dirt. Hibernating for a season and as soon as a little bit of sun shines down, the momentum of their growth starts.

It's been 4 years of hibernating for me. Questioning my happiness in respect to where, how, and when to live and enjoy things.

4 years ago we moved the kids to Washington D.C. where my little seeds of growth decided it was going to be a long winter. I've never been more flakey, unhelpful, unmotivated, dopey, or frumpy, in my life. I felt like every time I'd feel like I had a foothold on life, I'd land on a little slide and head back down to the bottom of the board.

So many things have been culminating for us. It's reached the point where I feel like the long winter is now getting some sunlight and soon it will be spring. Something inside of me is ready to blossom again. An awakened desire to fulfill my purpose here on earth.

The Lord needed me to be patient with my growth, just as he did with Oliver Cowdery when the Lord said to him in Doctrine and Covenants 9:7:

"Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me."

All this time I've felt like life was weakening me and that my imperfections would always be so exposed. Yet, as I've watch the little sprouts shooting up out of the dirt I'm astonished to come to the realization that these years the Lord has been strengthening me not weakening me. I needed to get my roots firmly planted before I can move forward. This long winter has been to prepare me for future winters and future springs--so I can bloom and grow to my fullest potential. The Lord, especially through our trials strengthens us. These trials have really been a blessing to make me be a better person and be of better service to others.

StStylish Blogger? Who me? There must be a mistake!

Stylish? If by "stylish blog" it means I don't update my blog except for times I'm injured or sick then...
I'll TAKE IT!
I first must thank Adriane who bestowed this honor upon me. And the blogosphere culture who make up fake awards and give out fake awards to people like me, who rarely get out of their pajamas/"clean the house" clothes, who eat too many chocolates, and who probably will never grace a cover of any magazine--or dance like Beyonce (hello! did I just write that?--I did & it's true, though try as I might). I bow humbly and say "thank you".

So I guess the rules say list 7 things about yourself.
Here goes nuffing!

1. Today I went to my Zumba class even though I have a cracked rib that is healing. Usually I'm tearing up the dance floor (I don't know if that is a good thing, I might be a little too Napoleon Dynamite, but oh well). However today I had to take it easy so I was "adapting" the dance work out to fit my limited capacity. The instructor kept looking at me funny--like I was trying to disrupt the motion of the class. I felt embarrassed, but hey I paid for that class so I'm going! After a while between songs she apologized and gave a lecture on how if she pushes too hard to please do low impact she doesn't know everyone's capacity. I'm a little bit uhh.. super prideful, so in my head I was like "Hey lady I've got me some cracked ribs--take it easy!). Oh well, but then the rest of me was like--"oh, well--I'll look like a complete lame-o, who cares!"
2. I wish I could go sledding. We have all this snow and I can't enjoy it. Woe is me!
3. My favorite cookies are the cowboy cookies. You'll never spend the $$ for Great Harvest Cookies ever again. They taste the same but are seriously the easiest cookies to make ever! Look it up see for yourself!
4. My two favorite music artists right now are Alison Krauss and Brandon Flowers.
5. Once in high school I arrived at Blue Springs South early and I climbed up to the rafters in the girls bathroom. There is a concrete beam that "hypothetically" (if you really wanted to), you could walk the whole length of the school and spy on people if you just move the removeable ceiling panels. I'm just saying you could do this, as for myself I have never done such a thing.
6. My kids and I watched all of the Alf series before Christmas. It was their reward, we could get them to do anything if we promised they could watch an Alf episode.
7. And lastly while I tend to have a love for British tv shows, which seem to be very classy and well constructed, I also have a love for other things such as this :

CLASSY I know!

Ok so there's 7 things about me I now bestow this honor on:
1.Elizabeth
2.Wendy
3. Jenny
4.Heather
5. Jessica
6.Michelle
7.Sheena

"If it would not look too much like showing off, I would tell the reader where New Zealand is." ....... Mark Twain 1897

***photo by ConsumedbyCake***
When I was a teenager, people would hear my Mom speak and ask all confused-like, "Where are you from?" Sometimes Mom would play sly and ask them to guess. The responses varied. Mexico? Ireland? Australia? It was tough back then, even when you said New Zealand, often the response was, "Where is that?" I laugh now, because since the Lord of the Rings movies it is now recognized as such a beautiful country.

I found these cookies online while trying to find pictures of tikis (a tiki looks like the green creature on the bottom right). Aren't they awesome. As a daughter of a Native New Zealander, I get the meaning behind most of these cookies, but I'm confused about the dude in the apron, the ketchup and the bumble bee on wheels (??). Maybe Mom can clue me in on these mysteries :)

I think I might try my had at personalized cookies. I'm thinking Missourah cookies--you know the Red necks with mullets, river-boat casinos, and Peach Nehi variety.

Awesome.

Book Review: North & South

North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell
***Clarification:This is not the Civil War North & South

Synopsis: Small town English Southerner finds herself in the wicked North (wicked as in fast paced and stressful) where she befriends the poor Higgins Family and her father befriends Mr. Thornton, a businessman who owns a mill. While the story focuses on a multiple of stressful situations, the two main characters carry the weight of the story's world on their shoulders and come out of it with their dignity still intact.

I'm really picky when it comes to books. I sometimes don't even try books out because I worry they will be such a complete waste of time. So I cleave onto my love of the classics, and stories I feel can stand the test of time.
I also am usually pretty adamant about reading the book before seeing the movie. When Harry Potter was about to come out my Mom insisted I read the books before watching the movie. Good thing too, because books=outstanding, movies=so-so.
Fast forward to some dreary Sunday in December. I'm bored, it's cold outside. Nothing to do. I decide to watch the BBC miniseries North and South on Youtube. It was fantastic, I watched the whole thing that day (I think it's 4 hours). Then I became obsessed with watching certain parts over and over again, like when Margaret tells Mr. Thornton to "be a "man" and go and save his innocent Irishmen." Awesome!
Anyways all I'm saying is when they announced in my Book Group that they were going to read North and South, I was like--shoot! I should've waited to watch the movie until after I had read the book.
Once I started reading the book I was startled to realize how happy I was to have watched the movie first. Because the movie was somewhat altered from the book, significant parts were not included or were added.
This spiked my curiosity into how they justified doing all their editing. I found that it was like reading a book and also solving a puzzle as well.
The verdict is, I loved the book and I loved the very edited movie equally as well.
I can't believe I just wrote that.

To Sophia, My Twelve Year Old.

Dearest, You gave me my first breath as Mother.

The years have rolled on and there you stand a
glimmer in my eye, a strong young woman.

I could never have guessed your character as a baby, still small and delicate.

How honored I am to have a daughter that has grown to be so capable, honest, and good natured.

You were a little angel sent to me from above.

Helping your Mother throughout these years
of constant strain and change.
You know how to do so many things and you have so many talents.

Though, your sisters and brother are still small I hope and pray that they will be

as strong, courageous, and true as their
Big Sister.

Happy Birthday, I love you very much my dear, sweet, and perfect Sophia.

The Hot Dwarf --Ummm..Just About the Funniest Thing I've Ever Read

To Be Hot or Not? That is the Dwarf Question

December 8th, 2010 by maegwen | Discuss | View Comments

The “Hobbit” cast is looking good. Really good. Oooooooh yeah, realllllly good.

Maybe too good?

When rumors began to swirl almost immediately after “Return of the King” left the theaters that a “Hobbit” film was inevitable, I made a prediction: There is no way they can sell a film with 13 Gimli-faced dwarves.

“Mark my words,” I grumbled, “you are going to see HOT DWARVES in this movie. Think of the fan girls!!!”

And it seems I may be right.

When you look at the success of the “Lord of the Rings” movies, a good portion of it can definitely be attributed to die-hard Tolkien fans who unreservedly embraced Peter Jackson’s vision.

But an even more significant part of the audience was made up of people – let’s face it, women – who really liked the eye-candy. From Legolas to Aragorn to the adorable hobbits to the nameless elf who became an internet sensation: Figwit.

And let’s not forget Boromir, Faramir and Eomer fans.

But… not too many Gimli fans, are there? You won’t find a lot of Gimli websites or fan-fiction out there. There’s just not any ‘hotness’ quotient in our short lumpy bearded friend.

Sooooooooo… let’s take a close look at “The Hobbit,” shall we?

The primary characters in the book are… dwarves. A baker’s dozen of short, lumpy, bearded dwarves.

Sure, there’s Bilbo. And yes, Beorn and Bard have promise. But the ratio of Hot to Not isn’t great.

Now, there were loads of issues and drama that came with getting the film off the ground. It seemed as if it would never happen. But one of the key things the project had to recommend it was the insane success of the LOTR trilogy… which just had to guarantee similar audience appeal for “The Hobbit.” Right?

Except for those pesky dwarves.

If you’re a Hollywood studio honcho and are salivating at the chance to take a ride on the Tolkien juggernaut, I’ll bet you and your marketing and merchandising teams are taking a look at the character list and thinking…

“We need hot dwarves.”

“Lose the beards, lose the lumps. Hot dwarves, the hotter the better. We’ll get a wholesome, ‘aw-shucks’ Bilbo, some bad-boy sexy Men, and then AS MANY HOT ACTORS WE CAN FIND for the Dwarves.”

And so they did. One after another, each sexier than the last.

Here’s where the Tolkien purist in me has a heart attack. SEE?? I TOLD YOU!!! HOT DWARVES? HOT DWARVES?!?!?

This is wrong, right? It was bad enough when Frodo, Pippin and Merry popped up in LOTR looking like slender, pink-cheeked cherubs (Sorry Sean, you really looked like Sam to me) instead of Tolkien’s rotund, hairy-toed Weebles. Tolkien was doing somersaults in his grave.

But dwarves? As short, lumpy and bearded as Gimli was, Tolkien intended him to look that way. And so, “NO! DOWN WITH HOT DWARVES,” we say. It’s an outrage! A travesty! Nooooooo…

Except… wellllll, Gimli was really short, lumpy and bearded. With Richard Armitage and Aidan Turner and James Nesbitt and Robert Kazinsky and Graham McTavish cast, I’m not sure I want any of them to look like real dwarves.

When it comes down to it, I’m a purist but I’m a red-blooded girl, too. Armitage alone would get me into the theater. But… put Richard in ‘Gimli’ prosthetics and, well, as superficial as it sounds that would not be as much fun. He’s a wonderful actor; I’m a huge fan of “Spooks.” But I want to SEE him and Aidan Turner and James Nesbitt and Robert Kazinsky and Graham McTavish, etc.

I reckon there are 10,000,000,000 other women in the world who would agree with me on this, and that, presumably, is what determines the film studio’s choice. I know I’m contradicting myself. Writing this I came to realize I believe: 1) HOT DWARVES are wrong, and 2) hiring gorgeous men and not letting them BE HOT is also wrong.

Right? I mean, wrong? Hmmm.

Back me up on this, ladies! Hot or not – which should it be?

=======================

original article found here:
http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/12/08/41237-the-%E2%80%9Chobbit%E2%80%9D-cast-is-looking-good-really-good-oooooooh-yeah-realllllly-good/

Maegwen is a long time senior staffer and sometimes satirist. She can often be found in Barliman’s Chatroom and is our resident film grumpus.

Gettysburg New Year

On a whim Derek and I made some quick decisions for New Years.

Decision points:

1. Living by two major cities we knew we would NEVER leave the house with the kids if we stuck around here. Even if the papers boast of Family friendly events, we're not into crowds or traffic.

2. I REALLY wanted to do something for new years. More than watch movies and eat popcorn.

3. Gettysburg is so close, I've always wanted to go check it out and their city website declared Gettysburg is the place to be on New Years because it had: pyrotechnics, live bands, free hot cocoa and cookies, and fireworks. All pluses in my book.

4. I figured if all the events were really lame at least we had a hotel pool, cable and free breakfast the next morning. And NO clean up.

So Derek's parents and sisters and a cousin came with us and off to Gettysburg we went and we enjoyed ourselves immensely.
First the hotel was fun. They even had hot dogs and sauerkraut at dinnertime, as it is an old German tradition they keep in Gettysburg. Supposedly it aides in health and prosperity for the New Years.
The pool and hot tub were enjoyed by all and after pool time we got ready for the New Years festivities at Lincoln Square.
First, no crowds at least by our Shmaltimore/DC standards--even though the manager at the hotel warned us there would be a huge crowd--ha! The pyrotechnics were sorta lame, just because it was hard to see, however there was music and dancing-fun had by all. One of the churches down the street had magicians--which we unfortunately missed, and music concerts all night long. We arrived in time to hear some of the Celtic music (which I loved) and stayed to have some free cocoa, cookies, chips, popcorn and to chat with the elderly church ladies helping out.
After warming ourselves up inside we headed to the fireworks--which were amazing and fun! Yeah for 2011.

Believin' on Lincoln Square.
The veterans cemetery was beautiful and amazing. It really hits home how many lives were lost during the battle of Gettysburg when you see it for yourself.
Xela sitting by an original Civil War cannon, next to some of the graves.

I really want to take the family back up there in the spring, so we can walk the trails and check out the museums.

Tommy's highlight, riding the mall train.

For Adriane

My sister Adriane is one tough chic, she took us on mini-adventures around her neck of the AZ. This song reminds me of trekking the trails around Montezuma's Well, Jerome, Slide Rock, and her back yard:) Adriane love you and miss you! One day we will have the ultimate sisters dance party, where we play our favorite songs and dance like maniacs!

Magdalena by Brandon Flowers

Benedict Cumberbatch is ....

Sherlock Holmes!

First off I want to write "Benedict Cumberbatch" as many times as possible, because it's the most hoity-toity name I've ever come across (take my word for it, seeing how I have "Dartagnon" listed as a possible "boys name" in my grade school journal). Couple the genius of Cumberbatch with the crazy-good/time warping adaptation of the books and one may deduce
pure entertainment gold!

Also

Watson happens to be Arthur Dent from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Uh, could this show be any more dorky cool? Let's just say that if you've read the SH books then you will squeal with delight as you pick up on the little details they've infused through the scenes.

But don't take my word for it.

Like what you see?

watch it here:
Sherlock:Study in Pink

**Thanks Elizabeth for steering me in the right direction! You are the best.

Cherry Dipped

Dear Chocolate Ice Cream Cone Dipped in Cherry,

You were delicious in the summer and I'd order you again if I could. Sadly it is now Autumn and your yummy goodness is taking a sabbatical. I do think it rather strange and stalker-ish that you took over my dreams last night. Please don't do this for it makes me hungry and wish for an everlasting summer. Which is truly unfortunate for I happen to enjoy the fall. Please for all things that are autum-ish and holy, stay away until summertime--ok?

Sincerely,

Bucky

Where did this come from??

Looking through our old family videos the girls asked about THIS video. I couldn't find it in our files. Thankfully it was posted online. Ha! This was so the BEST Relief Society activity!

Salt on the Magpie's Tale

My love of fairy tales traces back to the day when I'd sleep over at my Aunt Christel's house and under her 80's ruffled canopy bed she'd read me Fairy tales. The Hans Christian Anderson and Brothers Grimm variety. I lay there imagining the three dogs with eyes the size of saucers, bowls, and plates from the story of the Tinderbox. I'd grip the sheets and curl my toes when we'd read the Snow Queen.

What feeds my fairy tale tooth is being a day dreamer since birth (3 report cards in my posession say "Katherine is a daydreamer"). I enjoy being transported to a different time, a fanciful place, and meeting quirky, whimsical characters.

So when I went into the Library with the intent of grabbing only 1 book for myself, I really shouldn't have been surprised to pick up "Swedish Fairy Tales--illustrated by John Bauer".
Tucked into the bottom shelf was this gem. It seemed a little obscure and in need of someone to find it. I read all the stories to my little girls and in their faces I saw my own: holding onto their covers, listening intently as the story of trolls and princesses danced in their heads. It was wonderful.

From England to Maryland; To Home and Back

When I was a teenager I went to Hinxton, England to spend the summer with my very good friend Anna. There I met Anna's cousin Alix. At first I didn't like Alix, I felt like he was making fun of me all the time. And well looking back he was. I was naive, sensitive, and some might say horribly simple minded. I guess growing up in Missouri no one really cares if your simple minded. Simplicity is a mark of a good life--no complications, low stress, easy going. That is me through and through.

I remember going to bed the day after I met Alix, so upset that he thought I was "naive" and then it occurred to me that he was right I was simple--so what! After coming to this conclusion I had a blissful rest and the next morning something miraculous happened. I threw out all my doubts about myself--I wasn't timid, I didn't care what he thought of me and I was 100% Bucky. It felt sooo good!

When the three of us went for a walk I had a good time watching Anna push Alix in the river for being so cheeky to us--hehehe...sweet revenge. Which after a while turned into three geeky kids making fun of one another-- splashing each other and having a glorious time. That night Alix again flat out said "You are such a simpleton"--"Ha!" I thought. I just smiled and sang the old Quaker line "Tis the gift to be simple, tis the gift to be free". And freeing it was! I was no longer chained to the fear that I might not be "cool" in the eyes of another. I was me and i didn't care if he didn't like it. Although I think he secretly liked my simple, carefree ways. And after that night everything was great. At our parting he even said ***insert uppity English voice****"You do realize we will never see each other again?"

"Yup." I responded in all my simpleness and I gave him a hug and we took a picture and true to his words I have never seen that kid again.

Except for right now in my thoughts. I've thought about that experience again. Because is many ways living in Maryland has been my Alix.

Maryland for those who have grown up here is an amazing place with sooo many wonderful opportunities to be "somebody". They have the best schools, people want to be the best, successful people are the hallmark of this lifestyle. I have painfully struggled to find my "place" here among the land of over achievers. Lost between success and complete failure I was stuck in the same place I found my self years ago, sleepless-in Hinxton-worrying about what somebody thought of me.

I have battered myself up inside and out for not being, looking, and acting as I feel perhaps I should. For better or worse living on the East Coast has changed me in many ways but that feeling of trying to overcome my simpleness has loomed over me for the past 5 years.

Until this summer. When Derek and I went out on a limb and traveled west to work, reconnect, and have fun. Slowly my healing took place.

First in Missouri where I was encircled by my family. Of which I must say the old saying is true, apples really don't fall far from the tree. I saw my Grandpa, Dad, Aunts and Uncles and cousins in such different ways than before. I believe for the first time in my life, I saw them for who they really are, people of integrity, kindness, and charity. It felt great to have my Aunts sit and talk with me and my children as if no time had passed. My Uncles teasing my kids and me just like in the old days. They came in and swept out the cobwebs of insecurity and magically gifted me my confidence back.

I saw in my Aunts women who take their divine calling of Motherhood seriously and through their example and the example of their children all my fears I've had for myself were washed away. I'm a mother and that IS something. It isn't easy, it isn't the easy route. It's challenging and it's challenging turning that complexity into simplicity. And yet I watched my family doing it with the greatest of ease, so I knew it was in me too. Isn't family a wonderful blessing!

So much more happened in Arizona. There I spent time being a big sister to my brothers and a daughter again as I lived in my Dad's house.

How I loved waking up watching Tommy run to my Dad and ask for a tractor ride and my Dad true to form, patiently allowing Tommy the indulgence of tractor ride after tractor ride. Though Dad had corn fields and tomatoes a plenty keeping him busy. It was nice getting to know my Step Mom who also was wonderfully patient and kind to us.

Then there was being a big sister again. How nice it was to teach my brother Flint how to swim during special olympics, to let Ethan drive us around town and have dance offs. How superb was it to be with Adriane again in her trailer in the Arizona Hillz---glamorous I tell you :)

Little by little all my fears started to slide off me and soon I felt whole again, level headed, and cognizant of who I am and where I stand. Gosh darn it I was ready to face my Alix again!

Tally-ho, take me home, let me vanquish my fears and conquer those foes who do not like my barefeet and shirtless babies, my stained shirts and my dirty car.

Bring it on cause I got game now---boo ya!

Anyways the first week back brought many challenges, but strangely I've felt like smiling the whole time. Will I soon be back to my carefree simple self? Will I feel comfortable being a simpleton? I may never see Alix again but as far as Maryland is concerned, I think we may be friends after all.

Family Reunion! Missourah Part 2

*Photos by Michelle Wilkins Guerra
The Family Reunion began at the Willard, Mo. Independence Day Parade. Flint loves parades and I think this picture by Michelle captures the moment beautifully. We were able to reconnect with our extended Lavard Wilkins cousins this night. It's crazy to see all the cousins my age with their own little children running around, it was crazy yet comforting to know that I am in the same place in life as so many in my family.

The Darwin and Rosalie Wilkins Reunion started off with a bang! We feasted upon fireworks the whole time we were there. For my children it brought out their inner pyro. I laughed so hard watching them blow up bottle rockets, roman candles, and many other mystery fireworks that one can only obtain in a state like Missourah.

I love this picture of Tommy and I. He is being the clingy koala bear that he always is. Uncle Roy's Farm really brought out his true colors though. He spent most of his time on the four wheelers, tractor, and in the back of the pick up truck. If not doing that then he was busy following Royce, Cody, Dallin, Ethan, and Mitchell around. I've never seen him so content hardly any whining yeah!

*Photos by Sheena Riesner and Shannon Holm thanks for capturing the funny bits!
Talent night was like the Gong show meets America's got talent. Many wonderful talents shared as well as many funny ones. Ethan, Kyra and the crew entertained us with a very lively lip syncing routine to "Don't stop believing". Ethan went for an awesome air guitar solo and totally got the worst rug burn I've ever seen. However the air guitar solo was magnifique--well done Ethan!
The girls and I doing a little Tahitian. Tommy even joined in on the action! Shakey, shakey, shakey!

After the talent show the kids stayed up past midnight playing basketball and capture the flag and who knows what else. They really loved it!

Wilkins golf tournament 2010 did not disappoint. Aunt Becky brought her "A" game. Apparently so did I. Who knew I could golf? Who knew mowed lawn in a cow field makes a great golf green? Who knew Ethan names all his golf clubs Geraldo? Who knew Kelsie has a killer swing (if you don't believe me ask Ethan he had the black bruise to prove it)?

Cliff diving at Stockton Lake was soooooooo fun! I can't do it justice. I was a wimp and went off one half this size. But the kids were crazy and went off this one. Those dare devils!


We had the most wonderful Devotionals each night. I feel like we all got to reconnect with one another and realize that there are so many people who love us and wish us well in this life. How wonderful for my children to know that so many people care for them! It buoys me up and helps me remember who I am! Thanks family! I love you!

Smith Summer Adventure--Missourah part 1

I can't believe the summer is almost over! Time flies when you're having fun and awesome stuff like that.
Our little summer adventure started in Missourah.

Land of my youth, home of my homiez, and food that I love.Land of my youth:

Spending time at Adventure Oasis in Independence.
When did Independence get cool? Maybe it's not and maybe people there think this place is LAME, but I was loving it. Think water park meets city pool, except that when you people watch at this Missourah pool you shall NOT be disappointed. How I WISH I brought my camera to the pool.

Then I could have documented the classic Independence Missourah Mullet.--spikey on top and really long in back--we're talking Jan Brady long in back. I knew that 80's style is back in fashion but over 10 guys had this do, what's up with that? Ah nostalgia, gotta love it.

Paddle boating at Lake Jacomo.
Good times. We almost lost some children on that trip. Too much fun feeding the ducks. Which apparently is illegal or something. Also we were graced by a water snake upon boarding our paddle boats. There was a little freak out going on over that. We got over it thankfully.

Home of my Homiez.

Spending quality time with these nuttiez and also fellow nutcases Denny, Luke, and Flint.


Mom had everything ready for us when we got there--comfy bed, good food. Thanks Mom!
Ethan and I cleaned out her garage. We got out all of our pre-summer-season inner turmoil by cleaning the garage. Lots of aggression taken out on Abel's car parts, good thing he's on his mission or all that junk would still be there--hehehe, boy is he gonna be mad at us when he gets home--oh well. It needed to be done.
In one of his car parts boxes that he got from some other car fanatic we found a dead rat. Here's the kicker it was a Ginger Rat--yikes! I freaked out, Ethan had to prove that at 16 he's a real man by discarding of the petrified rodent (it was as long as a forearm and completely petrified!). Glad to report Ethan passed that manhood test.

Food that I love:

We went to my two favorite places in KC.

Rosedale's BBQ, YUMMY!

and the Farmer's Market.

It was blistering hot that day so we bought the kids some bubble tea, which was soooo good. We missed getting there early so it was a little crowded, but I always enjoy trying out new yummies the Amish people bring to the market. I love their cute German accents and the little boys dressed like Fritz from Sound of Music.

Our stay with Mom was pretty short, but we enjoyed ourselves.
Next installment.......The Reunion!

This one's for Adri--Congratulations Graduate!!! MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS | HOLLYWOOD (ACOUSTIC)

And I by no means am saying this song has any underlying meaning. Just cool dats all. :)