A Slippery Slope

I've been looking at old family pictures. I sometimes tend to get a big head looking at all the photos because I am one cute little girl!

Now, before you go getting overly concerned for my prideful self and decide to host an intervention- just wait! Because, as you will soon see, it doesn't take long for my vanity to get checked. While strolling along in the photo journey we hit a little place I like to call the "ugly years". And after realizing that I did, indeed, go out in public like that I have no more pride.

Honestly though, where exactly do you think the breaking point was for me?

I know what my answer is.

1980- Smiling because I'm so fashion forward with my "vintage" binky leash.

1981 - Posing it up with the siblings.

No this is not a backdrop.

It's a real canyon somewhere... probably in the motherland, Utah.

1982 - Sure my hair is a little crazy but my mom has 4 kids.

It doesn't change the fact that I'm still adorable.

1983 - Girls picture!

Me and my sisters are hot stuff in our matching Easter dresses.

1984 - So sweet. Look at those cheeks!

1985 - I've still got it! Except I don't have that rainbow headband.

My sister Adrienne broke it not long after this shot, and I never let her live it down.

1986 - I think the decline starts right about here with

my crimped hair and all.

1987 - The picture my sisters refer to as "the poker".

Let's be honest. It really does look like I'm getting poked with a hot stick.

1988- Even though these earrings were totally in style,

it still doesn't make it right.

1989 - Ok, Self. A note for the future:

hair pulled straight back is really not a flattering look.

1990 - Wow! Although the bandanna absolutely makes this outfit,

I think the the bangs should get an award for their supporting role.

1991 - What in the world was going on with my hair?

I think the left side of my body must have had it's own gravitational pull.

And really, did I not sleep the night before?

WAKE UP!

1995- I think 1992 ended my ugly streak (and the purchase of school pictures by my parents) but this photo goes in there just because if you, being of sound mind, decide to go to Glamour Shots and pose with your hand on a big sombrero you deserve to be mocked.

Murphy is way too Interested in my Life

Murphy's law.... not so much a fan. Shocker, I know.

Yesterday it was 67 degrees- 67, people! That's warm for this time of year. Needless to say I was thrilled because I in my mind I made plans to do some staining today. Yeah, I had grand plans until I woke up to frost. Right now the temperatures is currently 38. **FYI staining isn't really do-able in temps under 50.**

So now I'm stuck baking pumpkin for puree {which is the obvious crappier option of my "projects" for the day} instead of staining like I really want to be.

WaRnInG: Murphy you just might want to find someone else to stalk, cuz I'm really getting sick of you hanging out over my shoulder. I think you've forgotten that mastered the "rear naked choke" at enrichment last month. Don't make me use it.

Amen

You know sometimes when you are reading a blog and you notice an interesting header in the blog roll? I caught a glimpse of a funny little gem on an old college roommates' sidebar and it raised my curiosity. So I clicked over on the blog and I could NOT stop laughing. I mean who doesn't love some good quality stereotyping? And if you are in the minority and this actually doesn't apply to you, or your family, you're probably in denial and should just embrace your Mormon-ness. Enjoy.

Articles of Faith of the Mormon Culture

1. We believe in SUVs and minivans, as the form of transportation, and in knee length shorts, which are always nice, and in the multilevel marketing.

2. We believe that church ball players should be punished for their own fouls, and not for unsportsmanlike aggression.

3. We believe that through bread crumbs, cheese, creamy soups, and rice all casseroles can be saved through obedience to ward cookbooks and creativity in the mixing bowl.

4. We believe that the first layers and ingredients of the Dip are: first, beans; second, cheese; third, chopped tomatoes; fourth, the gift of sour cream; fifth, olives; sixth, salsa; seventh, guacamole, that is, if you have it.

5. We believe that a Mormon should have a distinguished or a cute name, that it is appropriate to name a child after a church leader or a historical figure including an ancestor, that alternative spellings and French prefixes only add to a name, and that when referring to the names of General Authorities, middle initials should be a part thereof.

6. We believe in the same wall decor that exists in many Mormon homes, namely, framed family proclamations, vinyl lettering, inspirational word signs, family photos, pictures of temples and Jesus, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of the re-gift, church books, crafts, family photos, baked goods, emergency supply kits, and so forth.

8. We believe in sparkling grape juice so long as it is nonalcoholic; we also believe in bringing root beer and sprite to ward parties.

9. We believe in all that we have scrap booked, all that we will now scrapbook, and we believe that we will yet scrapbook many great and important things pertaining to our family, friends, pets, and vacations.

10. We believe in the literal mixing of ketchup and mayo and in the generous application of ranch dressing; that CBAs (church-based acronyms) will be used to describe YM/YW, PEC, the Y, NCMO, and CTR; that Mitt Romney will get Mormons to vote for him any time he runs; and, that the Mormons will enjoy reading Twilight and The Work and the Glory.

11. We claim the privilege of trying to identify common acquaintances with any visitor at church, and allow all other people at church the same privilege, and let them name drop the names of Famous and general authorities how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to scoutmasters, pampered chef hostesses, and the writers of the U.S. News and World Report Rankings for professional schools, and in obeying, honoring, and sustaining Glenn Beck.

13. We believe in being above average, good at crafts, optimistic, and being fifteen minutes late everywhere we go. Indeed, we may say that we follow BYU football. We believe rumors about famous people joining the church, we hope to meet the three Nephites, we have endured many pyramid schemes, and hope to be able to endure all pyramid schemes. If there is anything cheap, free, sold in bulk, or given away when somebody is moving, we seek after these things.

Wedded Bliss

The Rundown:

Three-tiered, staggered, square, ivory cake.

Accented with handpainted gold beads and a cascade of fresh roses.

Our typical "finished product pose".

But there was no help on this delivery so....you take what you can get.

This cake was so fun to do because there were a lot of "firsts" involved, but the best part was the brides reaction. It was priceless. She loved the cake and wasn't afraid to let us know.

I. Love. That!

{wishing you a lifetime of wedded bliss, Holly}

Swirling around my Head

*I am creeping closer to finishing my "secret project". Maybe a few more weeks. Ha!

*Two big cakes within 8 days, that's a tall order.

*Monster Math Night.... really, no other parents volunteered? really?

*Primary Program madness. T minus 3 days... almost there.

*Single parenting for how long??? I think I can, I think I can.

*Ella is walking! and throwing fits. lots and lots of fits.

*Fall is in full swing. I wish our yard was showing signs of that. {Stupid purple tree that doesn't drop leaves.}

*Spiced cider sounds mighty tasty.

*Where did October run to?

A Theme Song of Sorts

I really need to get me a "hearty" chef hat and dye my hair pink. You can find last weeks cake adventure here. Up for this week: three tiered, square, ivory, gold accents, roses. Gorgeousness for sure. {Thanks to Sarah for the cake song}

I think I would be in heaven if this were my weekend destination. Someday... General Conference will be good, too.