Tuesday, 30 March 2010

Serious Back Post


So, kind of a big deal, in November, my baby sister Katie got married! I finally got some of her pictures, so I can post about it. She married a great guy named Cameron who is perfect for her and they are very happy together. I was in charge of decorating the reception--no easy task on a Mormon budget in a Mormon Cultural Hall, but the feedback was positive and Katie was happy with it, which is the most important part.


This was my favorite idea--a Dutch Wishing Tree instead of a guest book. I painted all of the willow branches (with Audrey's help), and this is the result.



The table lanterns were my other favorite find, they looked really nice with the lights dimmed.

Isn't she a beautiful bride? The great pics were taken by my cousin, Bryan McCracken, who lives in the North Salt Lake area, for anyone who is looking for a photographer. I can get you his info.

Sunday, 21 February 2010

Projects and Pizza


Once upon a time, a boy named Alec and a girl named Jennifer went on a quest to taste the best pizza in America. A lofty quest, you might say. The humble couple decided it was within their reach since the best pizza in America happens to be in Phoenix. "It may not be so easy," said the local villagers, "you will have to wait a very long time to enjoy such delights, especially since it was featured on Oprah, Martha, Rachel ray, and the Food Network."
"We are willing to wait," said the doomed pair.
So, they found a sitter for their children, invited some friends, and planned to be at the doors just as it opened, willing to wait a couple of hours.
"Four and a half hours, is what you must wait," said the Hostess.
Disappointed, our luckless couple settled for TGI Friday's instead.
Then, along came our heroine, Missy, who had accompanied the pair on their first fruitless quest. Faithfully navigating the intricacies of the reservation system, she was able to get one of the coveted 3 spots for last night. Alec and Jennifer rode up in Paul and Missy's faithful black SUV, sat outside until opening, then nobly strode in past the glaring lines of rain-soaked pizza pilgrims, into the mecca of pizzadom, and were rewarded with pizza almost good enough to bring tears to their eyes. And they lived satisfied ever after. Thank you, Missy.



This is the only other excitement in our lives recently. I haven't done a big furniture project in awhile because we don't want to move stuff when we are finished with school, but this is something I have been wanting to make for a long time--an upholstered headboard. I found one with a cool shape for $10. Add foam, batting, fabric, covered buttons, and voila. I am very happy with the results. It finally feels like we have a real bed. Now if I could just put up our Half-Tester with it....someday.





Monday, 25 January 2010

The Piteous Plight of the Arizona Weatherman


This is how Arizona weather maps look 95% of the year. Needless to say, Phoenix, AZ is not a premium destination if you are an aspiring weatherman.

"Today's forecast, Sunny and hot. This week, Sunny and Hot. Next week, Sunny and Hot, etc. etc."

However, there is the summer monsoon season, which can get pretty exciting, and last week we had a winter storm that lasted a few days. Alec and I had to laugh when we first moved here and saw the weather report when there was a storm. The poor little weatherman was about to have a seizure, he was so excited to have something to report.
Well, it was the same way with this storm.

"We interrupt the show you have waited all week to watch to tell you that there is a Tornado warning for Scottsdale, blah, blah, blah."

3 Minutes later:
"We interrupt your favorite show again to tell you we were wrong about the Tornado in Scottsdale."

3 Minutes later:
"We interrupt the climactic moment of your show to tell you about a Tornado warning for Chandler, blah, blah, blah.

1 Minute later:
"We interrupt the punchline of the best joke in the show to tell you we were just kidding about the Tornado in Chandler.

Roll closing credits. Argh!

Then, the poor newsmen on the newscast were trying so hard to dramatize the actual damage that was done, which amounted to two tents at a car show blowing over. Oh No! Not the tents! If the tents blow over in a storm, what is next-- all of the Valley's Wind Socks, or maybe even garage sale poster ads?

Tuesday, 12 January 2010

A Perfect Christmas


Once again, we had a great Christmas with our families. I think we had the perfect combination of:
A little woodworking with Grandpa,

A lot of chubby baby,


A few angels,

A few crazies,
A LOT of humor,

And plenty of time with the families we love so much. Thanks everyone!

This video clip made my parental heart warm. Good job, Santa. No heartburn this year after all.

Monday, 14 December 2009

Ahhh, Santa--Bringer of Magic and Heartburn


Here are the kids sitting on Santa's lap at our Ward Christmas party. Eric spent the time waiting in line pointing out that Santa had everything he was supposed to be wearing, so he MUST be real. Alec and I both knew what he would ask for--a Lego Power Miner set that costs $100! We have tried to explain to him that he probably won't be getting this because that would be all Santa could give him, but he is a firm believer in the magical abilities of Santa and would not be deterred. Everyone cross your fingers for us, it might be a rough one this year. I think he'll be so excited about what he does get that he won't be too disappointed--hopefully. Thank you, Santa--Oh, and I would like a new car while you are handing out extravagant gifts.