And..."Tats" How I Roll...

Fresh Ink. My left arm wrapped in barbed wire. Yes, a tattoo. I could barely believe it myself. I am not in pain, thankfully. And, my husband is very ecstatic. A little tramp stamp on his wife. The kids were adversely taken back. No surprise here. Especially my Maddie. She is appalled that her strict as nails Mother (who doesn't allow pieced ears or a cell phone on those ears) would be so trashy to get a tattoo. What kind of double standard have we started here? All I could come back with was..."Hey, when you are over 40, you can do as you like with your body." This didn't go over though. Even Max was upset, after all...he gels his hair in a "faux-hawk" and thinks Skinny Pants are in his future. He's nine! I still dress him in GAP and Old Navy. No Skinny Pants allowed. Ever.

Back to the Tat. We spent the evening trying to explain...defend...JUSTIFY the ink. Tony was worn down and decided to do the most fatherly thing...he let the kids get a tattoo! Maddie came out with a purple and black flower on the inside of her forearm. Max got a FOX logo emblazed in "fireflame" orange and black.

Yep, "tats how we roll" folks.

**(They'll fade in about a week, depending on how many baths and showers are taken!)

Country Boots and Country Dancin'

Tonight is the Duck Creek Dance, complete with the band... Muddy Boots. Yep, I reckon' I have become a "little bit Country" over the years. My O.C. days didn't stick, and that's quite alright. I love cowboy boots, big belts and straw cowboy hats. My husband wears 'em best though. Yes folks, my husband started the whole thing...

Before we dated, we were Friends. you know... the "Harry Met Sally" friendship. I would talk about my lame long distance romance and he would brag about the various conquests he was maintaining. I met my husband in 1986. He lived below me in the dorm. Manzanita at ASU. He was quiet, reserved and we never hung out too much back in '86.

I ran into him a few years later...by way of Dance 100 Class. He was satisfying a Humanities requirement, I was gettin' an easy A. We studied together and attended all the dance concerts as well. He was very cute. Did I mention how I would stare at him instead of Professor Bernice? I even want as far as forging his name on the attendance roster...on days he slept through class. (It was at 11:40am.) We both received A's for the class. And went on our separate paths AGAIN.

We ran into each other in '90 and he asked me out to a rodeo. I was so excited, I even bought cowboy boots and a hat in Scottsdale, on Main Street. Mind you, it was not a date...okay, I was wishful thinking. (My boyfriend was in Nebraska/law school and something told me that this would not last, thankfully it didn't).

So, off to my first rodeo! Tony said "we'd be meeting several of our college friends" there. We waited at the front gate/ticket booth for an eternity. Then, we decided to just go on and find seats. I remember the tight crowds and grabbed his arm, did I mention his incredible biceps? Whoa Girl, slow down!

We watched the rodeo and for some odd reason, never found our college group. I wasn't really concerned though. I had "Mr. Bicep" next to me all night! I remember when he asked me to dance on the way out. We stopped and danced to some country music. It was my first Rodeo...and first Country Dance!

So, fast forward to '93, I was single and back in Arizona. Tony and I reconnected through a mutual friend, I kissed him on a bar stool and the rest is history. I had been saving that kiss for nearly seven years! Now, when we don a pair of dusty cowboy boots and a hat...I remember that Rodeo and the dance... like it was the first date! Because, you and I know...it was.

I can't wait for tonight. We have been married nearly 13 years, but it feels like the Rodeo Nite all over again. I will grab his arm (again) to lead to me to the dance floor..it will feel like time has not passed.

Start Your Engines....

Shhh... don't tell anyone of my unique sporting interests. I have kept my NASCAR watching in the closet and "on the down low" for a little while. Only letting my closest of friends know of my secret obsession. The smell of burning rubber, black tire stains on my shirt and the roar of the engines excite me. I can't explain it. I can explain however, the first day I watched NASCAR...

It was February 1997 and I was home alone in a new apartment in lovely Las Vegas. My husband of about four months, was busy at work on a Saturday morning. Got a promotion right into a six day work week! I dare mention, I was already preggo (YES, you can get preggo on the honeymoon) and morning sickness was in full swing. I recall eating my Saltine crackers and a Sprite on our old, Desert print, cactus and coyote adorned sectional. I could barely keep my attention on the mile high stack of wedding thank you's. I was sick of writing, "Thank you for the (toaster, comforter, bath towels, blah, blah, blah)... it lovely seeing you, oh by the way...a baby shower will be held in seven months...prepare yourself for another gift!"

Okay, so you got the picture...I was baby on board, on the ugly sofa and didn't like writing thank you's. I could only focus on basic stuff, when I stopped the remote on NASCAR. It may have been the mention of M&M's on Ernie Ervin's yellow car or a desire to drink a Miller Lite with Rusty Wallace...whatever the case, I was hooked. I mean, its an easy concept, go around the little oval and finish the race. And, I picked my own sport. My husband had no influence on this. He will assure you!

(Small digression here: Ten years later, he bought a Corvette and raced on a track...took 2nd place!)

I began to watch this "oval race" each Sunday...Sunday...Sunday! Saturday races were okay, but Sunday was the real day to watch! Bigger drivers and better crashes. Those races would get me through some tough times. I would forget the nausea, stretchmarks and cravings. Okay, not the cravings...Reese Peanut Butter Cups were always a coffee table away!

My husband greeted me with the best surprise one evening. He was fortunate to have met a driver through one of his First year-Advisors and scored two tickets to the boxes above the pits.

There, I was able to sit above the late, Dale Earnhardt's pit. I also met Rusty Wallace and got an elbow from Jeff Gordon's security...hmmm, might have been to close! (1997)

Anyhow...its out there. NASCAR is my thing. I let my Redneck show. Do you have a secret worth sharing? I would love to hear!!

Mountain Woman Gains 5 lbs. In Record Time...

I am embarking on a new food intake plan. The intake will involve pitifully small amounts of food, 5-6 times a day with lots o' water and a handful of vitamins. As I am tad hungry (all day) I will then take at least two walks...okay make it one walk every day. I will do this until I fit into my size 2 Ambercrombie jeans again.

I was hoping to wear those jeans tonight on my "mountain date" to the local pizza place--- Hot Mamma's--- where my husband and I will watch the 100th UFC fight!! Yes, I did say pizza place. I have decided not to eat the pizza, just smell it. I think I will gain less calories through my olfactory senses. I will have a big ass glass of water and maybe a salad. No dressing.

Ah, I am dreaming of a cup of yogurt right now. Maybe later, a little baby carrot for a snack...oh heck they are small...maybe two!! I will eat my meals on the salad sized plates, making me feel like I am eating a full plate of food...fooling myself. I will refrain from any chocolate martinis (although my husband makes the BEST drink...complete with chocolate syrup dripping down the inside of the glass and a funsize Almond Joy perched on the edge of the glass).

I will get back on the scale each morning to motivate myself...as if the jeans aren't motivation.

No more apple pie, chicken pot pie, five egg omelets or s'mores for me. I am over it with that food! However, the chili cook off is a week away and if I get into those jeans...maybe I will indulge in a cup...!

If you have any suggestions for me...please comment! I need all the help I can get to slide back into those jeans.

10 Reasons The Mountains Make Me Happy...

I am at peace. I am in the mountains. I know this cannot last forever, but for the month of July...the mountains make me happy. Here, is a top ten list of things that make me happy at altitude:

10. The peace and quiet (No CNBC, the Dow Jones or phones ringing)

9. The Moo of the cows below, in the valley....MOOOOO!! (Sadly, we tend to eat a steak for dinner)

8. Max and Maddie riding motorcycles with their Daddy ('cause Mommy doesn't ride)

7. Cooking homemade pies and eating s'mores by the fire (yum!)

6. Eating an omelet, made by my hubby (no one can come close to this breakfast, not even Krispy Kreme!)

5. Sleeping in (past 7am...okay, past 8am!!)

4. Watching the chipmunks, squirrels and deer wander in nature (just don't have that view in Vegas, do I?)

3. Reading books without feeling guilty (I have a dozen books waiting for me)

2. Playing Monopoly with Max (and, not letting him beat me anymore...he is competition now...its on!)

1. Spending QUALITY time with family (need I say more?)

Ah, even the Chihuahua is relaxed and asleep on the dirt/rock driveway! And, smiling in his slumber.

So, what makes you happy?

An Ode to Pot Pies...

Oh, how I love a good pot pie. As a kid, I remember the Swanson's pot pie, in its metal tin. Then, came the Stouffer's pot pie and Marie Callendar's. But, as luck would have it, I am the pot pie maker. Only at the cabin. Thanks to a recipe from Cooking Light magazine and a lot of boredom on my part. I cook much better up at altitude. Okay, I just cook. We can't just run out for dinner ya' know. Applebees is considered a fancy restaurant and its just over an hour away in Cedar City, Utah.

My family has a tradition revolving around the pot pie. Sick, I know. But, we have the instituted the Duck Creek Pot Pie Contest! We assemble our own pot pie, fill it with various ingredients (corn, peas, carrots, chicken, mushrooms, cream of chicken soup) and decorate the top of our pie. My husband always wins the contest. He spends just enough time to make me worry. I am not a hater...but he is SO competitive.

So, last night, he was omitted from the contest. (Okay, he was building shelves in the new garage and no one told him about the contest.) Instead, we had four kids and of course...me. The kids' cousins had fun making pot pies and said they never ate one before. Well, thanks to their Country lovin' Aunt, they made and ate their entire pot pie!

Max decorated his with the vegetables on the outside. Maddie needed a toothpick to poke holes around the edge. Cousin James added L.L. (for "Ladies Love"). Cousin Danny went with a less time intensive crust. I put a little dough heart for mine...I love them pot pies!!

Duck Creek Parade

I love the little town of Duck Creek. The parade floats which consist of ATV's, Rangers and big a** trucks strewn with streamers and American flags are so redneck. But, we are in the country...and redneck is okay here. Redneck is dirty Wranglers and dusty boots. Its cowboys hats and bandannas on bald heads. And, its a nice break from the glitz of Las Vegas... our home the other eleven months of the year.

We decorated the Ranger with flags and streamers, the three boys decided to have Maddie fix their hair in ponytails. I was quite surprised they would allow her to touch their hair, let alone assemble it in little ponytails that resembled faux Mohawks.

The pelting of candy went just as planned. The kids were happy to toss candy to smaller kids, often more than a sole Tootsie Roll. The teenagers were in for a world of hurt though. They got pelted with jawbreakers, salt water taffy and Dum Dum lollipops...by my husband. He loves to pelt the candy and does this while driving! He also pelted his sister on the side of the road. Oh, the fun never ends.

I gave my parade wave. I missed out on Prom Queen (in high school) and I believe this is as close as it gets. Redneck and all. Husband pelting candy in his cowboy hat as I smile and offer the "cupped hand wave" to the parade watchers. We are a pair!

The fireworks are little 'po dunk too. They aren't the big fan fare in the sky. Instead, the local firemen (fully decked in their uniforms, hat and all) light those little firecrackers you remember doing as a kid. The ones your parents would buy and light on the street. Piccolo Petes and little Screaming sparklers. I think the kids were all a little disappointed but Maddie enjoyed the hula hoop contest. She won! Got a coin dollar. If the gymnastics thing isn't for her, she can fall back on hula hooping!!

Yes, Duck Creek is no Las Vegas...and for that I am grateful.

Family and Fireworks...

Happy 4th of July! Sitting here (in the cabin) just reflecting on the previous day's events and glad we are finally together. From cleaning and preparing for my in-laws (mom-in-law, sis-in-law, and two adorable nephews) to the fight between my two precious kiddos, and the wrong turn taken to Bryce Canyon...we are reunited.


I was busy getting last minute laundry and vacuuming finished. My husband, was doing yard work and washing the Ranger for the big PARADE! Gotta have a shiny Ranger for the Duck Creek parade. Kids don't care about the decorated Ranger as much as the five bags of candy they will pelt at children on the side of the road. It was requested that I purchase only hard candies....OUCH!


Got a call from my sister in law, who asked, "Are you near Pine Lake?" to which I said, "Hang on let me get the man of the house and his directions". You see, I am more of a "fast food landmarker". Ahhh, take a left at the Wendy's and go two blocks 'til you see the Chili's, pass a Taco Bell and turn right.... you see how my directions work. So, when I was asked about a Pine Lake, I gave up....


Tony got on the phone to help his sister. I heard him ask, "Okay, where are you now?"...and her response, Pine Lake. "Okay, are you headed North?" She said she was North and then he asked her to turn right and yet... she was still North. At this point, Tony asked her to use the GPS in the new car. I also heard him remind her that there were two "tech savvy" kiddos in the back of the car who could easily operate the GPS. This is very true. Kids have a way with computer screens, it looks just like a Nintendo.

Fast forward to a second phone call, (forty five minutes later) when sister in law cheerfully called to give me an update. She had made "a complete circle", finding the road and was headed to our cabin. Let's call it the Scenic Circle...

During my in laws "scenic drive", my own kids decided to have World War III. Fighting ensued, a glass of pink lemonade hit the carpet, mom got mad, one kid had bite marks on his shoulder and tears were flowing. Wishing I was in my sister in law's "Scenic Circle ride"...I put my smack down on the kiddos. I wanted them to cool down before the family arrived. Who knows, in a perpetual circle, it may take awhile. I was wishing for that.

I made both kids write their side of the story. I was tired of the "he said/she said" and really didn't care...I had pink lemonade soaking into the carpet. So, here my kids were, sitting on the front porch on the green Adirondack chairs, writing their confessions. Max wrote two pages that basically kept him out of trouble. At the end, he pleaded mercy and wrote, "If you believe me and love me, trust the kid that is bleeding TO DEATH."

Maddie's letter was three pages and complete with illustration of her fall off the hammock rolling into a rock down a "little slope". Very graphic. Great use of vocabulary! She ended her letter with..."Mom, I am sorry if I hurt your feelings when I hurt Max"...ah, she did bite him. Lots of big hearts at the bottom of the page too.

So, I did what all Moms do, I kept these letters. They are great!! So are my kids now that their cousins left their perpetual circle near a Pine Lake. All four of them are playing great, as usual.

We are off to pelt candy at unsuspecting kiddos now. More to come! Happy 4th!!

Cabin Life

Our blissful cabin is located in Duck Creek Utah, just 33 miles from Cedar City, Utah and a mere four hour drive from our home in Las Vegas.

We purchased our cabin on 7/7/07, at 7:07pm. I don't believe in numerology but that "seven thing" is pretty odd. Tony is a numbers guy and noticed the irony on the purchase paperwork. It may be lucky.

I have to say I feel lucky when we are here. I am at peace, no deadlines, chauffeuring kids to soccer or the gym four times a week. No work or phone calls. No traffic, no shopping, no errands...no nothing.

Instead, we have formed many traditions in our cabin. Max likes to play Monopoly with Mom. Maddie likes to drive the Ranger with her Dad, to Aunt Sue's for a homemade pie. Sometimes, we just make one. We also make chicken pot pies, (Marie Callendars look out)! My husband likes to listen to the local country band, Muddy Boots play their music. I always get a slow dance in!

We sit by the fire and make S'mores, the kids ride dirt bikes and Tony works. He really never stops working. From laying bricks, grading the garage, hanging pictures, shoveling snow, fixing dirt bikes, snowmobiles, etc.... He rarely relaxes. On the other hand, I can relax all day long. Okay, all month long. I read, write, play with the kids, read cookbooks and make new meals. I wouldn't say we are Little House on the Prairie, but it is a BIG step from the life we made in Las Vegas.

So, here's to the month of July and our real family time. Time away from homework, organized sports, junk mail, grocery lines, the office... and here's to spending time as a family. The way we should be everyday...not just on the lucky month of July!