tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69983330143155800202024-02-20T13:51:44.890-07:00Tiffany's Treasurewhere your treasure lies, there will your heart be also.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-78709861910358789672012-02-11T11:30:00.000-07:002012-02-11T11:30:12.255-07:00Caution: Objects may appear larger...The other day, Sarah came into my room as I was folding laundry. I had just happened upon a show on PBS. She sat down and we both watched for a few minutes. It was a new production of A Room With A View, something I have never seen but thought might be interesting. Sarah reads like no other and I suggested she might be able to get the book for her Kindle for free. (Books that were published prior to a certain date are free, otherwise the older books are sometimes a dollar or so) Sarah did find it and read it in just a few days. She loved it! <br />
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I knew I had seen the movie listed on Netflix so I thought that would be a good Friday afternoon activity. We loaded it up and began watching. Lovely! The dialogue is wonderful, the locations and costuming gorgeous. The actors (Judy Dench, Maggie Smith, Helena Bonham Carter, Rupert Graves, Daniel Day Lewis) were excellent. It was going swimmingly until some of the male characters decided to actually do some swimming in the pond- all very innocent. We thought we might see a brief flash of backside but NO!!! We were, to quote a new favorite exclamation heard on Antique Roadshow from a British guest, <strong>Absolutely Gobsmacked</strong>!! We screamed, squealed and averted our eyes. We glanced back thinking the brief nudity was over... nope! More screams. Just then, Emily leaps up while saying, "I've got this!" She grabbed a dishtowel laying nearby and did her best to cover the offending parts. Where's the remote when you need it?!? The characters were jumping in and out of the pond, leaping about etc. Guess how close 'things' look on a 60 inch screen? The dishtowel wasn't providing sufficient coverage so Emily grabbed a throw and held it up in front of the screen and firmly stated, "This is a crack free establishment!" So funny. We laughed and laughed and the girls kept saying, "My eyes!" Awesome.<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/?action=view&current=dscn3579.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt=""I got this!"" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/dscn3579.jpg" /></a><br />
Emily helping to maintain our standards. (Shades of Louise Carling circa early 1980's during Kramer vs. Kramer at an exciting Young Adult activity)Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-89942518645383198052011-02-11T11:10:00.005-07:002011-02-11T11:43:09.451-07:00SmilingI'm smiling today because...<br /><br />- the sun is shining.<br /><br />- my house is clean. ish.<br /><br />- no one in my family is sick.<br /><br />- my wonderful nephew just got engaged to an amazing girl.<br /><br />- even though I have painfully slow internet service, I <strong>have</strong> internet service.<br /><br />- there are horses in my bathroom.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=dscn2152.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/dscn2152.jpg" /></a></p><br />I don't know <strong>why</strong> there are horses in my bathroom.<br /><br />I'm just glad they're there.<br /><br />Horses in your bathroom mean you still have a youngish child.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=dscn2151.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/dscn2151.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Thanks for the horses Em.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-76737469597833743662010-12-17T23:55:00.009-07:002010-12-18T00:50:00.898-07:00Tchaikovsky and Willam Christensen. Perfect.I just got home from a wonderful evening at the ballet with my daughters. It was beautiful and dreamy and so fine. All three of us loved it. I was transported back to the early 70's... a little girl seeing the Nutcracker at Ballet West for the first time. Magical. <br /><br />I've stolen a few pictures from Ballet West's blog. Tres convenient. I've also grabbed a little bio of Willam F Christensen, the founder of Ballet West, from Wikipedia.<br /><br /><div align="justify"><br /></div><table style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN-LEFT: 1em" class="tr-caption-container" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; CLEAR: right; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; cssfloat: right" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lYybEamJVLUHlwKp7Fcg8FnktXRGofnyzGmPuuIzVlpfYCLkJGhlyK1AFAJz2hF_LvFTCCKhgPrDlmlSIZEsIHPig3AQmsnV0c4Jwa82wmKA4DvgVGel0wX7OmSIgmxbpCW6XzQDZhk/s1600/Nut-10-Jax-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lYybEamJVLUHlwKp7Fcg8FnktXRGofnyzGmPuuIzVlpfYCLkJGhlyK1AFAJz2hF_LvFTCCKhgPrDlmlSIZEsIHPig3AQmsnV0c4Jwa82wmKA4DvgVGel0wX7OmSIgmxbpCW6XzQDZhk/s640/Nut-10-Jax-1.jpg" width="618" height="640" n4="true" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class="tr-caption"><p>Snow Queen and her Cavalier. The girls want her tiara.</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><br /></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><br /><br />Willam F Christensen (1902 – 2001) was an American ballet dancer, choreographer and founder of the San Francisco Ballet and Ballet West in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is known for bringing the complete version of the Russian ballet The Nutcracker to the United States, as well as staging the first American performances of Swan Lake and Coppélia. Christensen's Nutcracker was first staged in 1944 in San Francisco, where the ballet remains an annual tradition, though the production now staged there is not necessarily the Christensen version. (Ballet West's Nutcracker is the original Christensen version and it is in my opinion, the best) </div><span style="font-family:inherit;"></span><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><br /></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none">Christensen left the San Francisco Ballet in the care of his brother, Harold, to help choreograph a stage production at the University of Utah in the summer of 1948. While there, he was asked to stay on and help the University create a department of ballet. He agreed, and spent the remainder of his life working in Utah and the Intermountain West. The University of Utah was the first accredited University to have a ballet department in the United States. While in Utah, Christensen also founded Ballet West.</div><br /><br /><br /><table style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN-LEFT: 1em" class="tr-caption-container" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><p align="center"><a style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; CLEAR: right; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; cssfloat: right" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJxaSUg7QXfJQ8WjVn7MvnD1bAZxR1fHY25ePlDL9ALkg0Zr3r7uwKGh-DfCtULQ3d6K6DdPby0SyjSf2rqanFvEE4DbVd3Brc0nfSXUGLXLhxe3YzAVsEUdmGrO_N2CnPUcxQz-9Grs/s1600/Nut-Pas.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJxaSUg7QXfJQ8WjVn7MvnD1bAZxR1fHY25ePlDL9ALkg0Zr3r7uwKGh-DfCtULQ3d6K6DdPby0SyjSf2rqanFvEE4DbVd3Brc0nfSXUGLXLhxe3YzAVsEUdmGrO_N2CnPUcxQz-9Grs/s640/Nut-Pas.jpg" width="618" height="640" n4="true" /></a></p></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class="tr-caption"><p align="center">Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.</p><p></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto" class="tr-caption-container" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tbody><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><p align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: auto; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHD8GZftCqdBy9zk7Est9bdbYFYo6fwTgCr24-z8KEiY4qgsSDmKhPMQQeIPzAY5KNwj2jcXgbl4lbHlk6IbFTM8ewxh3Y5rpp4rir9eh2eVxKIkYLF4cxjWac0RUvCmeUSHnLCyJzLPI/s1600/Nut-10-Aro-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHD8GZftCqdBy9zk7Est9bdbYFYo6fwTgCr24-z8KEiY4qgsSDmKhPMQQeIPzAY5KNwj2jcXgbl4lbHlk6IbFTM8ewxh3Y5rpp4rir9eh2eVxKIkYLF4cxjWac0RUvCmeUSHnLCyJzLPI/s640/Nut-10-Aro-1.jpg" width="640" height="488" n4="true" /></a></p></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class="tr-caption"><p align="center">Sugar Plum Fairy en pointe with rockin extension.</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><table style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN-LEFT: 1em" class="tr-caption-container" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; CLEAR: right; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; cssfloat: right" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAbppdi47lhMLB__UT348VzYLyQmrAi7c05XauNRhqebXqXPP6rEtN_Y_vaN9dSMLBcnsXMeFZg-2JRPe4RVARAkZOP_4mki4VAkbGzlzj2byzX9TPq9X7fmFMYcR-3E_7er-GDUJ8sE/s1600/Nut-2010-Beau-2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAbppdi47lhMLB__UT348VzYLyQmrAi7c05XauNRhqebXqXPP6rEtN_Y_vaN9dSMLBcnsXMeFZg-2JRPe4RVARAkZOP_4mki4VAkbGzlzj2byzX9TPq9X7fmFMYcR-3E_7er-GDUJ8sE/s640/Nut-2010-Beau-2.jpg" width="640" height="476" n4="true" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class="tr-caption"><p>Waltz of the Flowers. Yum.</p><p></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; CLEAR: right; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; cssfloat: right" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChVgN_LkoRVNjGhEjy2GFdIm9WTCRd1NnWLfZOuuDYwbktg_jZWjsOFf5Da9H1Z0RV3MsBjCDyAP_I2jdfwzkzxnSMBFQDFVYoJOUrzZAa7jfy5DufDsXHh0dfKH9EbnwWO0Smj1_nE8/s1600/Nut-2010-Beau-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChVgN_LkoRVNjGhEjy2GFdIm9WTCRd1NnWLfZOuuDYwbktg_jZWjsOFf5Da9H1Z0RV3MsBjCDyAP_I2jdfwzkzxnSMBFQDFVYoJOUrzZAa7jfy5DufDsXHh0dfKH9EbnwWO0Smj1_nE8/s640/Nut-2010-Beau-1.jpg" width="640" height="426" n4="true" /></a></p><div align="center"></td></tr><tr><td style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class="tr-caption">More chicas from the Waltz of the Flowers.<br /></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">As a little girl, I dreamed of being Clara; dancing with the handsome prince, being whisked away to a magical kingdom. I don't dream of being Clara anymore. I have a handsome prince who loves me and our amazing daughters and treats us like royalty. Thanks Rich for the curbside taxi service and thank you Sarah and Emily for wanting to go tonight. Thank you to my mom for helping me love ballet and carting me to dance lessons all those years. </span></div></td></tr></tbody>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-74214026655613509902010-12-11T23:14:00.001-07:002010-12-13T01:01:56.436-07:00The everyday stuff makes me happy.<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=dscn1773.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/dscn1773.jpg" /></a><br />
I walked by Em's room the other day and found her nestled in bed, enjoying a good book. Don't we all want to throw convention to the wind, put on a tiara and a pair of warm gloves and just read?<br />
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The following scenario took place in mid November. Emily was doing some homework (note the turkey) whilst sporting her light-up Christmas antlers. <br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=dscn1818.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/dscn1818.jpg" /></a><br />
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Emily's justification for wearing the fabulous headpiece was that the radio stations were playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving and she could start celebrating too. Excited much?<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=dscn1820.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/dscn1820.jpg" /></a><br />
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She wore them for several days. All day. <br />
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What does Sarah do for fun these days? Sadly, no exotic headwear. She does have her darling girlfriends over to watch flicks and make cookies every now and then.<br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=dscn1823.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/dscn1823.jpg" /></a><br />
Kristine, Michelle and Sarah with Wasatch Mountain Ranger Cookies. <br />
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Yum.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-37696761588646110012010-11-07T22:54:00.000-07:002010-11-07T22:54:04.162-07:00St. George Springtime - Part IIII know, I know... enough already with the vacation pics. I can't help myself.<br />
Here are some pics from the pool in Green Valley.<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0915.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0915.jpg" /></a><br />
Emily, Sarah and cousin Hillary<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0953.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0953.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0924.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0924.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0935.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0935.jpg" /></a><br />
I'm watchin' you. <br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0795.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0795.jpg" /></a><br />
Rich was on dive toy duty. He has a better throwing arm than me.<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0943.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0943.jpg" /></a><br />
A gaggle of goggled girls.<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0955.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0955.jpg" /></a><br />
After some fun in the lap pool, it was time to move over to the diving pool. The deep, <strong>unheated</strong> pool.<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0956.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0956.jpg" /></a><br />
The plan: "Let's hold hands and jump in together!"<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0957.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0957.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0958.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0958.jpg" /></a><br />
Not so much according to plan. Sarah's name was mud for a while.<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0961-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0961-1.jpg" /></a><br />
This child cracks me up. Esther Williams just rolled over in her grave.<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0969.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0969.jpg" /></a><br />
Complete and total abandon. Check out that smile.<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0763.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0763.jpg" /></a><br />
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I love water. I took this one when we were at Sand Hollow Aquatic Center in Santa Clara. The girls had a great time there as well but its an indoor pool and the pics of them were grainy.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-6559548664623009282010-11-05T15:20:00.000-06:002010-11-05T15:20:17.103-06:00School Pics<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/?action=view&current=emschool10.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/emschool10.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emily - 5th Grade</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/?action=view&current=emschool10001.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/emschool10001.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sarah - 8th Grade</div><div style="text-align: left;">I could swear I was just taking pictures of these little girls at their preschool Halloween programs. The annual school photo shoot sure makes the growing up of my babies seem more real. Dang.</div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-53541807131827639942010-11-04T16:13:00.001-06:002010-11-05T10:07:06.087-06:00Serene<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/?action=view&current=149105_151973298181065_100001051863271_308064_3634731_n-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/149105_151973298181065_100001051863271_308064_3634731_n-2.jpg" /></a><br />
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I nabbed this glorious photo of Sarah off facebook.<br />
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I saw it for the first time today.<br />
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It took my breath away. Then it made me feel peaceful.<br />
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She looks serene and regal. <br />
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Sunset at the Bountiful Temple... a great idea for a YW activity. <br />
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Sarah was a great idea too.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-63481162188574404032010-11-03T00:04:00.003-06:002010-11-03T08:00:10.087-06:00St. George in the Springtime - Part IIFor our little family, a trip to St. George means taking it easy. Mellow is what we're after. One of our favorite places to go have fun these days is a new park on Dixie Drive called Cottonwood Cove. <br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=100_0828.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/100_0828.jpg" /></a><br />
There are fun swings and spinning things... In fact there's one aparatus you can sit on while someone else spins you. It was Hillary's first time at the park. She's a gamer and sat right down and let me spin her but good. <br />
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She got dizzy and laughed and then fell off. Love it.<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=100_0827.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/100_0827.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The rain came and we ran for cover. <br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=100_0832.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/100_0832.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
We felt shortchanged by the weather so we came back a few days later.<br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0908.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0908.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0898.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0898.jpg" /></a><br />
Hillary: "Sup home dawg?"<br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0896.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0896.jpg" /></a><br />
Fabulous hanging recliners under the play structure.<br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0901.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0901.jpg" /></a><br />
A good spot for cousins to hang out and be in the shade.<br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0900.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0900.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0890.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0890.jpg" /></a><br />
Things to know in case you go: <br />
1. The toys will support adult sized peeps.<br />
2. Bring dramamine for motion sickness if you're over 40 or<br />
3. Avoid the spinning gizmos if you're over 40.<br />
4. You'll have more fun if you don't act your age. Trust me.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-9597423884990739012010-11-02T00:10:00.002-06:002010-11-02T12:31:05.363-06:00St. George in the Springtime - Part ILast spring, we loaded the car and took a roadtrip down south. And the really great thing about this particular roadtrip is that we stole my niece Hillary and took her with us! <a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=100_0825.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/100_0825.jpg" /></a><br />
Location: uncomfortable minivan bench, somewhere on I-15<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=100_0843.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/100_0843.jpg" /></a><br />
We jumped at the chance to go to Zion's on Thursday. We're not going to play tourist and go to the park on the weekend. No sir. You can keep all those tour buses full of gawking Europeans. We don't care if its going to be nice weather all weekend. A frosty Thursday is better than a crowded Saturday. Thats how we roll.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0664.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0664.jpg" /></a><br />
Even though it was cloudy and chilly... the scenery was still breathtaking.<br />
<div align="center"><br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0665.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0665.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center">Out came the cameras.<br />
<br />
</div><div align="left"><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0690-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0690-1.jpg" /></a></div><div align="left">We hiked just long enough to find a spot where we could take a picture of Hillary in the clouds. <a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0690-1.jpg" target="_blank"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0697.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0697.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0699.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0699.jpg" /></a><br />
Soon it was time for the mandatory grossing out of the children.</div><div align="left">Going in for the kiss. Listen to 'em squeal! Its a simple pleasure.</div><div align="left"><br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=100_0889.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/100_0889.jpg" /></a><br />
The spring rain adds to the splendor. We don't usually see this in July.</div><div align="left"><br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0725.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/dscn0725.jpg" /></a><br />
My handsome husband and our lovely girls.</div><div align="left"><br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/?action=view&current=bridge.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/st%20george%2010/bridge.jpg" /></a><br />
Such a beautiful place to be. </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 78%;">More Southern Utah pics coming.</span></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-87894531014747384572010-10-30T12:54:00.002-06:002010-10-31T20:10:45.932-06:00RedEmily's favorite team color is red. For sure.<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/?action=view&current=dscn1762.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/dscn1762.jpg" width="459" height="612" /></a><br />Last Saturday she went to her first college football game with Grandpa Darrell.<br />Very wet and very fun.<br />It rained and rained yet her enthusiasm wasn't dampened.<br />This closeup gives a great view of her stylin new frames. Em's motto is 'go bold or go home'.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/?action=view&current=dscn1765.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/dscn1765.jpg" /></a><br />This girl could potentially be a future Crimson Club member.<br /><br />My only regrets about this event are that I wasn't actually at the game where I could observe Em's instruction in the finer points of football and that I didn't get a shot of her date picking her up. I was off delivering Sarah to an activity with friends.<br /><br />Emily reports she had a great time in spite of the rain. It helps that her sweet Grandpa stood in a very long line to get her a hot chocolate and then took her out to the Training Table for dinner afterwards. (This is how to be treated on a date Em!)<br /><br />Thanks Dad for loving my girls. oxoxTiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-6825806103260401352010-10-27T10:44:00.003-06:002010-10-27T13:26:58.558-06:00HappinessLast week our family participated in a truly happy event.<br /><br />We welcomed my wonderful nephew Chase home from his mission in Chile. (There are 8 names on the banner because 8 missionaries from Chile were on the plane and we're proud of all of them)<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/?action=view&current=dscn1724.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/dscn1724.jpg" /></a><br />These are just a few of the welcoming committee. There were grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, siblings... it was a big group.<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/?action=view&current=dscn1743.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/dscn1743.jpg" /></a><br />Chase hugging Sarah. Two years is a long time!<br /><br />There were a lot of happy tears last Wednesday at the Salt Lake International airport. So much love and joy concentrated in one small space- I wish everyone could have even a little sample of that every now and then. I wouldn't have missed it for the world.<br /><br />What a blessing my family is to me.<br /><br />I am rich and life is very good.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-36303455154781203692010-10-21T11:00:00.009-06:002010-10-22T23:35:12.585-06:00What I've been doing lately.So, I've received some heat lately for neglecting my little blog:<br /><br />"Um... you know you haven't blogged in 3 months don't you?"<br />"How about a post Mom?"<br />"I can't keep up with your family if you don't update your blog!"<br />"Are you guys okay? Helloooo?"<br /><br />Apparently I have some 'splaining to do.<br /><br />It started with me being completely wrapped up in Stake Girls Camp this summer. I have to say that this was a mighty big church calling for me. Very time consuming and stressful and in the end, absolutely wonderful. I loved it. It just took a huge amount of time. Blogging had to take a back seat for a spell. Well, the blogging sabbatical went on a little longer than planned and then I was just embarrassed at being such a slacker. Now I can barely remember how to do this and I'm relearning. Goody.<br /><br />Many happy times have been had in recent months (And not so recent. I have trips from spring that need posting) so I'll be catching up. But before I do, I'll tell you what I did last weekend.<br /><br />In honor of Halloween, I made a little purchase.<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530738416869193634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Ik4yHlRDSFhaxICf-bXKWDLCOAXep6fc2vyo9OY46tp4t_CRWEeoP3UoJ4MxMOVHANY48vdcs_EdTLAgQ7Whd12RdcH-y_A3I-fadgRxtmWEM130VuGRIOER3iwVJoMOeFFkeqsv8U/s400/poltergeist25big.jpg" /><br />My sweet Emily is a Halloween enthusiast. She talks about Halloween for months beforehand. We have detailed discussions about costume possibilities and new decorating ideas for the front porch, yard, back porch, various rooms in the house, etc. She'd paint bats on the car if I let her. Sadly, she has a mother who has never been all that jazzed about decorating for Halloween. Oh... she also thinks it would be swell if I wore a costume to hand out candy. Dang.<br /><br />Because I'm trying to support her interests and not be such a lame mom, I made some new decorating purchases and got her daddy to help her make some tombstones to go out in the yard. I also thought it would be fun to buy a spooky movie to watch at Halloween. Why not Poltergeist? I remembered it (vaguely... it was made in 1982) as a good scary movie with a lovely/haunting theme song. Since I have a very underdeveloped sense of delayed gratification, I offered the movie to the girls last Saturday rather than waiting till Halloween proper.<br /><br />We were all enjoying the show, about 2/3 through the movie when I had to run over to my parents' house. I left the girls watching the movie, in broad daylight mind you, and hopped in the car. Fifteen minutes later they were calling my folks' house wanting to know when I was coming home. "We're not watching any more till you get home!"<br /><br />5 or 10 minutes later I walked into the house to find this:<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/?action=view&current=dscn1710.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/dscn1710.jpg" /></a> </p><p>Really. Squealing and screaming. I thought it was a show for me.<br /></p><p><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/?action=view&current=dscn1711.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/backblog/dscn1711.jpg" /></a><br />Nope. They really were a little freaked out.</p><p>I laughed, they laughed and then we started up the movie again. Right after they've recovered Carol Ann and are getting ready for bed. The kids are tucked in. Remember the scarey clown? Emily completely and totally freaked out. </p><p>Not a little. All. The. Way. </p><p>Sarah was scared but wanted to watch the rest of it. Emily wanted us to break the DVD and throw it out of the house. She went outside and waited for the movie to end. I went outside after the movie ended and found my Emily- my baby- sitting under a tree with tears streaming down her face. Very upset. Thats me... the good mother. I thought she was just being dramatic. Not so much. Just scared senseless and scarred for life. Thats what she told me.</p><p>Em has been sleeping with the lights on since Saturday. </p><p>That being said... please leave your contact info in the comments section if you would like me to discuss some of my tried and true parenting techniques with your church or PTA groups. I'm available on short notice. </p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-78754284961329259362010-07-09T22:12:00.008-06:002010-07-10T00:10:41.713-06:00ShoppingI decided to take the girls to a movie after all the chores got done today. There was a huge line at the theater, so we chose to kill some time shopping instead. We found ourselves at TJ Maxx, and because we weren't in a rush, we ended up looking at, touching, smelling and trying on whatever struck our fancy- purses, perfume, sunglasses and my favorite... shoes.<br /><br />I found a cute pair of wedge sandals. Something along these lines...<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492155595543516978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwTylGCpypX1vjKhmlUb31KIyDDnOMVoKAoRacEER76Zn6GhvOdaemn4TqgD_dk1ZpaAc397zULQDb7lcqcU-U-bKLwMzOFX1VlWyFEpIPW_7oXrAhmEbg_CqVkriZIKACJVBAsrNGyU/s400/W51894.jpg" /> <p align="center"></p><p>I kicked off one of my sensible flat sandals and tried one on just for fun. (I never wear heels this high. Possibly some leftover issues relating to Junior Prom and the very short German foreign exchange student who was my date) </p><p><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 377px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492136634348258786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgYsREk5ssagV3g35eaaxmkHF8IfOU5QvmXaGYFIHhNYEouX6dO3HoqxQNbdPcYRc_RGgk8Gvxn6EzZhMEd0BxpwoSXnwaH8IvqhSEpRYiYQ5ZoGik1ity1Znb4qCIWqyL5YtTN5WDXg/s400/5b6f265b-07a0-4d30-80b7-a42396172031.jpg" /><br />Sarah thought they were the most darling shoes and that I should absolutely buy them. (She may have been hoping there might be an opportunity to borrow them at some point. Strange, because I don't think she'll ever hit a size 11)<br /><br />Emily watched quietly as I walked in front of a mirror to see how it looked. She watched some more and then broke her silence.<br /><br /><br /></p><div align="center">"Trip. Fall. Break her leg. Look, she's limping already!" </div><br />I really wasn't limping- just walking with the unusual gait of a woman wearing one flat and one outrageously high heel. But then I got the giggles and almost <em>did</em> fall over.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 203px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492136637049804882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RApXUi7eIXRXAkG6jmLjk67FubpknsznBniyntKkwS_oiOdBZs13jkjkwxZ_TRgemjunsXgpRyDeIGsg4FbL7NKVhPMOS7dbhePpaK-SGQU3Eg9Z69-1iZ_omTb5vDnJ29gsvFgT9DE/s400/thumbnailCABMY8IX.jpg" /><br />So much fun to hear fashion advice from my two girls. Thanks for giving it to me straight Em.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-54980869511596572932010-06-24T00:26:00.003-06:002010-06-27T23:17:01.589-06:00Heaven ScentSummer is finally here. For real. In all her glory. <br /><br />I can step out onto my patio and water the flowers and just inhale some olfactory loveliness.<br /><br />I like how geraniums smell- all earthy. I even enjoy the smell of the tomato plants. But what really gets me weak in the knees is our Mock Orange. Dear me.<br /><br />I came inside after getting a good whiff of it the other day and commented on how much I love that smell. Emily asked, "We have an orange tree? Which one is it?"<br /><br />After explaining that we wouldn't have a citrus crop this year, she ran to check it out for herself.<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/snowbird%2010/?action=view&current=dscn1193.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/snowbird%2010/dscn1193.jpg" /></a><br /><br />She came inside a minute later and said, "I think I just smelled Heaven".<br /><br />I think she did too.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-78168046868353948262010-06-23T13:45:00.003-06:002010-06-23T13:55:41.964-06:00Monitor down!<div align="center">Twirling a camera by the wrist strap on your finger + sitting in front of the computer = a teensy little accident.<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/snowbird%2010/?action=view&current=dscn1185.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/snowbird%2010/dscn1185.jpg" /></a><br />Two thirds of my lovely desktop background.</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/snowbird%2010/?action=view&current=dscn1187.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/snowbird%2010/dscn1187.jpg" /></a><br />It wasn't completely unusable until Rich mashed on it a little. It's the engineer in him. ...must....see....how....it....works.....<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/snowbird%2010/?action=view&current=dscn1191.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/snowbird%2010/dscn1191.jpg" /></a><br />We're working on cause and effect in several age groups here.</div><br />Damage done on Monday. New monitor purchased on Tuesday. It's a bigun. 23 inch screen. Everyone's happy again. Yay for Costco!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-13762360308691499902010-06-19T11:30:00.004-06:002010-06-19T11:49:47.710-06:00Up on the Roof<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOGmhyQJ5JA4ZwwRMisfRXypeYZJ968l7q2qp9DxSEoXvWSYmu8FyXqSpw8_GY7kg8WsAsHPRLhYA-8vCDPKGgKNe76EkK80cJF61PasWSAVOEdWFDxq41Rp3eY8JULKSjWVwS4901Hk/s1600/100_4425.jpg"></a><br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 383px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 489px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484539394486604114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcy92CQYpI4trYcWh3CjmwmrzkcrXVtX_F2mJz_1sdeOy9XanOOGwMMh4tTFP3Cpvu9ihk6Crij0ds6LrywWfaweSQSMp1MJR4b3ZVy6s97P00de7mkMaRs6XH71mwX_48UBzWtyBm4m8/s400/100_4430.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div> We're up on the roof because yesterday morning I woke to some strange noises coming from the living room. I thought perhaps some birds had gotten into the house and were having a smackdown. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>After closer inspection I found no animals in the house but located the source of the noise. The chimney. I consulted some experts (my Dad) who congratulated me on my newest houseguests.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>After Rich got home, we went up on the roof (me with some serious sweaty palms and tachycardia. Me no likey the roof) looked down the chimney and found these rascals.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 520px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 385px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484539370849322562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPRpWiFz7T-5_xs9XZfWoVI2r6VzE3HWzfR8NfC-GEF3boTMI3-kZip4kYrtqXi3IKgzivE8W22WoxbaJzIYPTFWZjrc7VQv1gyWC04fm5d-nkBY24olxTbQpBvstb_eadCs24iLWQ-0/s400/100_4428.jpg" />"Excuse me... we're trying to sleep here!"</div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left">Really. Could they be any cuter? A mama and her three babies. We're going to try the mothball remedy. Hang some mothballs on a rope into the chimney and the smell will run them off. That's the theory anyway. I didn't see any luggage, so I'm hoping they won't stay long. <br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-60101250548283906022010-06-18T23:35:00.001-06:002010-06-19T00:53:27.759-06:00Oops!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCz1jDBvJgpRRWM-uQaKccx5I5e2rtAmSpEijQNo9guYhbiKxMu6VnoH0l14xl18gmte9O0KPrOwWtRc7SBHRHrz4A5bByxaZa8laAZ6CkfJr6zqreq2yi_rvHrZ7jTfDx1P7awoAofTk/s1600/gina.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483850353599771730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCz1jDBvJgpRRWM-uQaKccx5I5e2rtAmSpEijQNo9guYhbiKxMu6VnoH0l14xl18gmte9O0KPrOwWtRc7SBHRHrz4A5bByxaZa8laAZ6CkfJr6zqreq2yi_rvHrZ7jTfDx1P7awoAofTk/s400/gina.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Yesterday we went to the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition. We've been before... last year with the girls as a requirement for their piano lessons. Its an amazing opportunity to hear some of the finest pianists on the planet.<br /><br />This year, now that Sarah is a teenager, she was able to volunteer backstage during the competition. Her duties were to be an escort for the competitors. Show them their rehearsal room. Show them where they can change into their performance clothes. Take them up to the stage at the appointed time and bring them back down when it's all done. Emily and I got to see behind the scenes as well while they showed Sarah the ropes.<br /><br />There are 38 competitors from 13 countries ranging in age from 19 to 32. Sarah's first competitor was a man from France. She said he was really nice and surprisingly, very nervous.<br /><br />Emily and I were in the theater, transfixed by these musical geniuses. We had great seats and were able to see all the facial expressions and body language. We watched their hands flying back and forth across the keys. Kind of like a marshall arts action film on a piano. Em's comment while watching a female competitor going crazy on the keys, "... she's gonna lose a finger!"<br /><br />When Sarah was done she said she'd had a ball and that she'd do it again if given the chance. She then added, "That was the scariest thing I've ever done!"<br />What? Do you mean talking wth the competitors?<br />"No! I almost crashed a Steinway!! I had to move a Steinway!! Each competitor can choose if they want the Hamburg Steinway or the American Steinway. We had to make a change and we ran into the other Steinway!!" Apparently, one of the pianos hadn't been moved far enough out of the way and 9 foot concert grands don't turn on a dime.<br /><br />Just for kicks, when we got home, I looked on the internet to see how much a big old Steinway costs. I found a gently used concert grand for almost $150,000.00. Oopsie! So glad she didn't roll it off the stage.<br /><br />Good save Sarah Bear.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-81748889445125593082010-06-16T19:24:00.009-06:002010-06-16T21:12:28.478-06:00Baked goods.Oh dear.<br /><br />Emily was invited to the birthday party of a darling little girl in her school. Courtney's her name.<br /><br />Today was the big day. Meet at the birthday girl's home, laugh, visit, then head over to the rec center to go swimming. Fun!<br /><br />I picked Em up and asked if she had a good time. This story poured forth:<br /><br /><br />Em- "...we were swimming and then when we were done we saw this naked lady! Just sitting on a bench. Naked!"<br /><br />Me- "You mean, where everyone could see?"<br /><br />Em- "Yeah! She didn't even go into the place with the curtains where you're supposed to change! She was just sitting there on this bench!!"<br /><br />Me- "So... you were in the girl's locker room? Well that's not so bad then."<br /><br />Em- "But she was just there right in the middle of everyone! And then she stood up and dried off!!!" (oh the horror. At this point, Em is in the passenger seat showing me how this woman held her towel behind her back and dried herself. Her face is distorted in various grimaces)<br /><br />Me- laughing. silently.<br /><br />Em- "And that's not all. There was another naked girl. A teenager. And she put on a bra and it was NOT modest. It went like this (motions with hands how low this bra plunged) and her mmm mmm's were round. They looked like cupcakes! That other lady that was old.... her mmm mmm's, do you know what I mean Mom? <em>Her </em>mmm mmm's looked like loaves of bread!! Scarred! I'm scarred I tell you!"<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 347px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483556882788088802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieedcz5Tn9OK2kPZBrvwtCPIv9BF3t_hNICJERvKo8BcQg-WC9-NH0Z-zdsx6ZFs6GLbJdniTwHdD3UPRynSuJu8YgosiELDgawWmq8DrdUhMz9oz31DYrpLL7H1HbC1qSHBAQJ2fLjNk/s400/img-1075.jpg" /><br />Me- driving erratically while cracking up.<br /><br /><br />Let me state that Sarah and Emily have both been swimming with the local swim team for a year now. I've gone in the locker room to find them when they were dawdling and typically see people changing in the shower or private changing areas. I did think that by this time Emily would have run into a few nekkid ladies. Apparently not.<br /><br />May I also state that I have always tried to use correct anatomical terminology for body parts. Scratch that. Not always. But usually. I can stipulate that I have never referred to a body part as an "mmm mmm". I can only guess that she was substituting for something that rhymes with shoebies.<br /><br />I'm loving this gig.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-30694543840501735102010-06-02T11:45:00.002-06:002010-06-03T11:46:25.475-06:00A DecadeEmily is ten! Actually, she's been ten since March 29th. I thought I'd wait to post about her birthday until she had her friend party. She wanted to wait till it was a little warmer and have a party with dinner and dessert cooked over the firepit outside. She waited and waited and waited some more for a decent patch of weather until finally in May it happened. So here's a little celebration of my darling Em:<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0495-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/dscn0495-1.jpg" /></a><br />A princess deserves to be spoiled occasionally.<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0496.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/dscn0496.jpg" /></a><br />Breakfast casserole and strawberries!<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0491.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/dscn0491.jpg" /></a><br />A birthday celebration at Grandma and Grandpa's. The cake is another one of mom's masterpieces. Emily requested it be in the shape of a shamrock this year. My little lamb thinks she's Irish. <br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=dscn0997.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/dscn0997.jpg" /></a><br />Sierra, Baige, Allie and Emily. Darling girls.<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=dscn0996.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/dscn0996.jpg" /></a><br />Goofy girls.<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=dscn0987.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/dscn0987.jpg" /></a><br />The sweetest ten year old I know. Really.<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=dscn0984.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/dscn0984.jpg" /></a><br />Even though she's hit double digits... she's still my baby. Forever.<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=dscn0517.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/dscn0517.jpg" /></a><br />She is gifted in the hands on department. Massages, hugs... no one is better.<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=dscn0692.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/dscn0692.jpg" /></a><br />A chilly Emily at the Overlook in Zions.<br /><br />Happy Birthday to my sweet, intelligent, kind, hillarious, tender, beautiful girl. How I love you.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-83941475531137616752010-05-12T00:05:00.001-06:002010-05-12T09:43:51.091-06:00I really shouldn't...particularly after the last two lovely posts, but I just can't help myself. Please enjoy this "semi-nice Mother's Day song".<br /><br /><object width="512" height="296"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/embed/8hhtL7tzz0b_idepGPKRnQ"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.hulu.com/embed/8hhtL7tzz0b_idepGPKRnQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="512" height="296"></embed></object><br /><br />Thanks for indulging my occasionally warped sensibilities.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Sorry it comes with a short commercial)</span>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-10187529805706052872010-05-11T13:21:00.002-06:002010-05-11T13:35:10.158-06:00Page 85<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=lesmis004.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/lesmis004.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Sarah came home from group piano lesson yesterday with a big smile.<br /><br />"Have we got the May issue of the Ensign yet?" <br /><br />Someone informed her she'd been spotted in the magazine. I ran down to the distribution center and bought a few copies. Sure enough... that's my girl on page 85!<br /><br />The mothers in our Stake were invited to attend the Young Women General Meeting at the Conference Center with their daughters. It was such a wonderful evening! Our favorite talks were by Sister Elaine Dalton and Pres. Uchtdorf. The best part of course, was being with Sarah. <br /><br />In a few years, Emily will be in Young Women's and I'll be able to go with both of my lovely daughters!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-75246314351073296892010-05-09T16:44:00.006-06:002010-05-10T11:27:15.480-06:00Influence<div align="center"><br />Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, </div><div align="center">the first assurance that there is love in the world.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">David O. McKay</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view¤t=lesmis003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/lesmis003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">St. George Utah 1967<br /></span></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">As we age, we begin to realize the value of a mother's love </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">and the enormous depth of her commitment to us. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">No other relationship we form can ever be as close</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">or profound as that with our mothers.</span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anonymous</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=lesmis.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/lesmis.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Alta Lodge September 1978</span></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">I'm so thankful not only to be a mother to Sarah and Emily, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">but to also be the daughter of such an amazing, lovely and talented woman.</span> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">Happy Mother's Day.</span></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-81981821963697128812010-04-15T21:33:00.002-06:002010-04-19T12:31:13.944-06:00Spring Break: Part Deux<div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;">(involving a ridiculous number of photos)</span><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=lesmis001.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/lesmis001.jpg" /></a></p><div align="left"><br />Thursday we went to see Les Mis at my niece Megan's school. It was a girls night out and I loved it. Not just the great music, but the company as well. Connie and Megan, Tatiana, Maddie and Hillary, and me and my girls. I'm so grateful we live here, close to our family and not in some far off corner of the world. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">p.s. Nicely done Bonneville.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=lesmis002.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/lesmis002.jpg" /></a></p><div align="left">On Friday afternoon, we went to the aquarium along with the rest of Northern Utah. What a crowd!! The parking lot was very full and we were lucky to get a spot close to the aquarium. We were happy! The woman who tried to pull into the same spot... not so happy. I was 3/4 of the way in just as she began to pull in. Nose to nose. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Sort of like this:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 474px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460592541752342322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFI1EciWm5JJy_YRg9P6Xbh7gEj85hXVezW1oGrHTng8SnYBSX9IYW8yoNf9jkLjPMOgNNeCWFu5VL5_cPt9w6U5-XrbP487a6C0mVYrVtAYVa3yjSorMQfaaAwyJ1dg9kcGdLa-UmwQ/s400/4070470390_b998aefe46.jpg" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(bulls courtesy of The Pioneer Woman)</span></p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><p align="left">It was a teensy bit tense in the parking lot. I was in the spot and felt I had every right to be there. The 'lady' in the other car did not appreciate my presence and requested that I leave. This was done with raised voices and arms flailing out the window. Having never encountered anything similar, I didn't budge and just laughed. Loudly. The other driver left and from the backseat I heard Sarah say, "Tawanda!". Oh my. </p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">(May I recommend the addition of an athletic supporter to your ensemble if you're planning to visit the aquarium on a busy day. You'll feel safer and perhaps more confident in the parking lot this way. Gird up thy loins)<br /></span><br /></span><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=crop.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/crop.jpg" /></a><br />Petting the stingrays is a highlight. </p><p align="center"><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0561.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/dscn0561.jpg" /></a><br />Little Henry, Em and Sarah peering into a coral reef display.</p><p align="center"><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0559.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/dscn0559.jpg" /></a><br />Love these anenomes. </p><p align="center"><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0581.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/dscn0581.jpg" /></a><br />Intrepid explorers paddling the Amazon.</p><p align="center"><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0575.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/dscn0575.jpg" /></a><br />Cousins. Yay!</p><p align="center"><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=dscn0558.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/dscn0558.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="left">Even with all of Northern Utah vying for a spot in front of the exhibits... it really was worth a visit. </p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">(I'm happy to report, the gold bullet sustained no damage while left unattended in the parking lot. We were a bit wary of the 'lady' with a temper)</span></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left">On Saturday afternoon, we drove to Provo for the BYU Ballroom Dance Team's big year end performance.</p><p align="left"></p><p align="center"><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=0910-5220567.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 557px; HEIGHT: 388px" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/0910-5220567.jpg" width="558" height="394" /></a></p><p align="center">A fun tribute to Hairspray.</p><p align="center"><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=0910-5220349.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/0910-5220349.jpg" /></a><br />A great jive number.<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=0910-3820524.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/0910-3820524.jpg" /></a><br />Mmmm. Dreamy. It's hard not to like a waltz.</p><p align="left">The team was celebrating 50 years and included a big number with nearly 200 alumni from as far back as the sixties. The team is internationally ranked and puts on quite a show. Gorgeous costumes. </p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">(Along those lines... contrary to the costume designers on Dancing With The Stars, it is possible to perform a Latin dance while clothed)</span> </p><p align="left">It was a wonderful opportunity to see them perform. Definitely worth the drive down, although Rich and I have decided we're not fond of University Parkway. Oh the humanity. Even with lights and a siren you'd be hard pressed to get through that stretch in a reasonable amount of time. </p><p align="left">That wraps up the highlights of our spring break activities this year. I think the girls were able to relax and have some fun. I sure enjoy having them home. By the end of the week we got some sunshine and the snow melted. Happy spring break!</p>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-72838768146808566822010-04-07T09:36:00.005-06:002010-04-08T23:42:58.719-06:00Spring Break '10 and Word Power<div align="justify">The girls are out of school this week. Hooray! Its so fun to have them home with me. We won't be going on vacation till later this month. Instead, we're having a staycation. Nothing too exciting... out to lunch a few times, the aquarium on Friday and we're hoping for a cousin sleepover too. Utah weather can be temperamental in the spring, we all know this, so we didn't make any outdoor plans. We weren't thinking it would be <em>this</em> fickle!</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=100_4280.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/100_4280.jpg" /></a><br />This is what our neighborhood looked like Tuesday morning.<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=100_4278.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/100_4278.jpg" /></a><br />Our trees and shrubs were heavy laden with wet snow.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=100_4284.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/100_4284.jpg" /></a><br />Even our patio furniture is tired of getting snowed on. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=100_4282-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/100_4282-1.jpg" /></a><br />A pair of finches were glad we still had seed in the feeder.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=100_0820.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/100_0820.jpg" /></a><br />On Monday, we finished the fifth and last book in the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. This has been a great read aloud series. Sarah's comment was, "This is so much better than those Twilight books" (she's read the first two) "Fablehaven beats them into the ground with a stick!" I concur. Sarah took this pic of me from across the room and in low light, hence the grain. We were getting close to the end and things were getting tense!<br /></div><div align="justify"><br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=100_0818.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/100_0818.jpg" /></a><br />One of the things we like about Brandon Mull is he doesn't dumb down anything, even though these are books for young adults. In this picture, I'm trying to figure out the pronunciation of a word. Stumped? Possibly. If a word comes along that I think the girls might not be familiar with, I stop and ask them if they know what it means. Halberd? Anyone? </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Here's a quote from near the end of the book:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">"...they carried slender spears and swords, and gave haughty looks to the astrids"</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I asked Em if she knew what 'haughty' meant. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">"Umm. Does it mean that they think the astrids are hotties?"<br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/?action=view&current=100_4266.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/spring%2010/100_4266.jpg" /></a> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Oh Emily. What would we do without you?</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Happy spring break all!</div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998333014315580020.post-29550493445051907352010-03-22T15:13:00.006-06:002010-03-23T10:25:42.245-06:00A Date With a View<div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=ski2-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/ski2-1.jpg" /></a><br />Rich and I went skiing a few weeks ago. So much fun!</div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=ski1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/ski1.jpg" /></a></p><br />As we got off the lift I spied a photographer set up out of bounds. It was just like being at a high school dance again! There was another couple getting their picture taken in front of us and we (I) heckled them to get them to smile.<br /><br />Soon enough it was our turn and I'm pretty sure if we agreed to all the poses the photographer suggested we could have put together our own portfolio and started heading out on 'go-sees'. We opted not to go with the pose wherein we would be sprawled on the snow with our heads tipped toward each other.<br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=ski3.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/ski3.jpg" /></a><br />We thought our photo session was over until an hour or two later when a photographer (ski paparazi) jumped out from behind a 'slow' sign in the middle of a run. Slightly disconcerting. </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/?action=view&current=ski4.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/tiffandrichs/ski4.jpg" /></a><br />Dig Rich's sweet slalom!</div><br />It was a glorious day at Brighton! Sunny and cold but not windy. And to top it all off there were a few inches of fresh powder. I ended up not skiing after lunch because shortly after these pictures were taken I wiped out and knocked my melon pretty good. Headache. Of course just that morning as we were driving up I said we should probably buy some helmets. The girls wear them but we never bought any for ourselves. Duh. Anyway... lesson learned.<br /><br />Thanks for a wonderful date Rich. I love you!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14021443647235198780noreply@blogger.com4