Frozen Treats, Anyone?

A few months ago, before the snow fell and I packed up my flip flops, I went for yogurt with 2 of my favorite ladies. I'm hoping we can have a repeat of fun sometime this week. Ladies, consider this a formal invitation. Please check your social calendars and reply. I need some girl goodness ASAP.

Fun

Sometimes your heart just needs some of this . . .

For Lori

Don't Cry Over Spilt Cheerios

I should have known what I was in for today when first thing this morning I spilled an entire box of Cheerios on our kitchen floor. I had a personnel issue and didn't run this morning. My outfit was less than stellar. Time seemed to be dragging. At about 4:30, I closed my office door (very unusual) and called Lori. I vented. I cried. I told her I was tired and grumpy. Sometimes I confide in her because she's the only person who's had my job and lived to tell about it. She always offers a sympathetic ear and then, instead of wallowing with me--she gives me a bit of perspective so I can get on with the goodness that is my life. I've learned that semi-yucky days make you more grateful for all the good days. I can't wait for tomorrow.

Disneyland Divine

Pirate Pimp-OUT

The only thing scarier than having a bad picture taken of yourself is knowing that Lori has possession of the original. I decided that rather than have her use it as collateral, I'd just get it out in the open. She has a copy of my first drivers license picture & as a result, I dressed up as the Easter Bunny for one of their ward activities. She shows no mercy--though she was ever so kind enough to provide me with some pictures of our Disneyland getaway (from last April). . .slide show to follow.

Dad--I thought you, Eric, & Ryan would particularly appreciate this pirate shot. Arggggh!

You all remember my friend, Will?

Here's the conversation we had in the Jenkins burban this afternoon:

Ali: Girls are the best.
Michelle: Yeah--girls rule, boys drool (I'm so mature).
Will: No, boys are the bestest.
Michelle: Why, Will? Why are boy the bestest?
Will: Because they can pee standing up and girls have to sit down.

Michelle: LAUGHING SO HARD IT HURTS.

It seems so clear to me now that a 4 year old has explained the simple truth--women did get the short end of the stick!

Sweet dreams, all.

Girls' Night Out

I have just as much trouble as the next person keeping my room and my closet in order. Let's face it--not an easy task for any girl who enjoys playing dress-up on a daily basis. Brooke & Ali are two such little ladies. The good news is that they've kept their room clean and tidy for a week & that means we were able to have our first Girls' Night of the summer. After dinner we rented a movie and made individual sized puddings in star & heart shapes. Brooke made an amazing pistachio pudding & Ali whipped up a banner batch of vanilla with a touch of cinnamon. Oh, we had a most lovely time. I just hope their room stays clean all summer. . .shouldn't be much of a problem if Lori keeps their closet locked ;)

Luke Rocks the Court

Last night I went to Luke's final basketball game. He was playing for the championship & it was honestly one of the best basketball games I've ever seen. It was close, full of smooth b-ball moves, and featured one of my favorite new teenagers. Read more about it on Lori's (the proud mother of the game's MVP) blog. Luke--You're AWESOME!

Please note that this photo is compliments of Lori's camera. Did you know Lori was voted the top Photographer in Utah County? Yes, she is famous. Yes, I am her friend.

Grant turns 11

Grant is 11.
Grant is handsome.
Grant is sweet.
Grant is genuine.
Grant is perfectly him.

Hoopin' It Up

Luke & I hit the basketball game last night. We had a great time. We had us some popcorn & the Cougs pulled off a victory against SUU. Luke is the perfect sports fan--into the game, but not crazy . . .okay, maybe a little bit crazy.

Christmas Pabooza 2007

Remember last year when Lori & I made chocolates? Remember how it would have been a harrowing experience it it weren't for the spendid company? In a semi-desperate attempt to erase the memories of last year's escapade, we set off this morning to make sugar cookies. Sounds pretty simple, doesn't it? Well, considering the element in my oven caught fire the other night (another story for another day), I haven't felt so hot the last few days, & our rather frightening track record together in the kitchen--today's bebenture (as the kids would say) was indeed a leap of baking faith.
Will-son was the best helper. He really likes to get into his work. . .quite literally. I think he used about 3 cups of flour to roll out his tiny ball of cookie dough. My, that cookie was oh, so flaky.

Awesome pose! Christmas Pabooza is a handful.
The finished product was not only beautiful, but tasty, too. In fact, these might have been the best sugar cookies in the history of the world. They were soft (but not cakey) and the frosting was perfect. Mmmm. Another Christmas culinary success.

Lori has already suggested making homemade taffy bows next year. I'm beginning to wonder if I should look into getting a new set of friends. I think the fumes are starting to get to this one.

Oh, To Be a Kid Again

I spent part of my weekend playing with Luke, Grant, Brooke, Ali & Will. We had a great time and you want to know why? I kept trying to remember what it felt like to be a kid. It was kind of hard at first, but it didn't take long to get the hang of it. First, I remembered that I didn't like naggy adults. I recall a great desire to be treated like a grown-up. I just wanted to play & be happy. Without letting any of my five friends "get away" with too much, I just relaxed and enjoyed myself. We tried to fold an origami Big Bird. We posted silling scary things on my blog. We ate an entire tin of popcorn and didn't really care how much of it ended up on the floor. We watched lots of movies. We colored Christmas pictures. Ali & I played holiday piano duets. Brooke made a spectacular lunch of peanut butter, banana, honey, etc. sandwiches. Everyone slept under the tree in sleeping bags. Luke & Grant were really helpful. They're cool & fun to hang out with. Will cuddled on my lap & made me laugh. Gracie (the cat) kept her distance. We played a few rounds of Disney Trivial Pursuit. We made icees from the semi-freshly fallen snow & then followed that up with some hot cocoa. The truth? I was a little disappointed when Lori & Alan returned home. It meant my weekend of child-like behavior was over. The good news is that everyone was alive & happy. I hope that means I'll be invited back for another super-duper sleepover.

Introducing Judy J. Jenkins

Judy Jenkins. . . a riot & a half. LOVE THAT kid.

A Few Things

Michelle's Pillow PaloozaBad blogging week with no real excuse--other than things have been busy. I sometimes wonder what I would do with a husband and kids. As it is, I don't have time to keep my own head above the proverbial holiday water. Here are a few things I've been thinking about and noticing the past few days:

1. Why do people have large dogs in small condos? It's rude, ridiculous, inhumane, and filthy.
2. Ever since WFB went private, I've been missing some friends. Granted, I don't really know who they are, but I can strangely sense their absence.
3. Studio 5 yesterday was great. . .quick, but great. Brother-in-law Eric made a superb showing. Word is that they showed the segment again on the 4 o'clock news. Must have been a slow news day.
4. I have developed an exercise routine that is flawlessly consistent. I meet a girl from our apartment complex MWF to go to the gym & my friend Jerilyn and I head to the smelly BYU track to run TTh. My conscience won't allow either of these girls to suffer in the cold of winter if I don't show up--so I do. It's a brilliant workout tactical move & it's finally paying off. I feel good again.
5. I've been invited to go to the Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert by three different people. I have had to turn down all three invitations. It totally stinks because I REALLY want to go. Oh, well.
6. Remember how I feel on the ice on Monday? Well, I think I hurt my shoulder. It about kills me to take off my bra (I know--more information than you wanted). My shoulder feels old.
7. I'm in love with Febreze Air Effects.
8. I went to the mall on my lunch break to drop off some pants that need altering & there was not a parking spot to be found. It was mid-afternoon on a weekday. Curses.
9. Kimmy & I are back into popcorn eating. Mmmm.
10. I'm having a sleepover with the 5 Jenkins tonight so the 2 marrieds can getaway for their anniversary. Pray for me.

Will Turns 4

There's something wonderful about being 4. My little friend, Will-son is such a sweetheart. He makes me smile. I happen to be one of the few present at his arrival 4 years ago & feel so blessed to witness his life. Gosh, I love his little giggle, duck-duck-goose, and the wonderfulness of his sticky hand holding mine. 4 is so good!
A big thanks to Lori for providing the picts!

Happy Birthday, Lor!

I spent my afternoon with Lori (she is beautiful)--celebrating her 29th birthday (she is also a liar). I don't know how it happened, but I must be the luckiest girl in town to have her as my friend. I really have a hard time exposing my true self. It's one of my greatest faults and trials. Lori is one of very few people I feel comfortable doing that with. Oh, I'm so glad she hired me to work on-call at the flower shop over 10 years ago. I'm grateful that she looked past my nerves, quiet nature (if you can believe that), and insecurities. I'm grateful she taught me how to stand up for myself and to think before I speak. I'm grateful she is wise, willing, and genuine. I'm grateful she doesn't judge me or make me feel less than I am. I'm grateful she is a mom to 5 of my favorite beings. I'm grateful for someone to laugh with and cry with. I'm grateful for a wonderful day spent in her goodness.

Happy Birthday, sweet friend.

Love you!

President's Christmas Party Palooza

A big thanks to my favorite Christmas Crafters. . .the girls of CCF. We had a great morning distributing and creating with hundreds of children at our annual party. It was another smashing success.And one of my favorite parts of the Pres. Party is the Jenkins clan. This is what Christmas is all about. Good friends, happy times, timeless traditions, and the spirit of the season.

Will's Spa Day

Tonight was Brooke's 9th birthday party. As soon as Lori sends me some pictures (hint), I'll post a full description of the festivities. For now--a snapshot of Will giving himself a pedicure. OH, my cuteness. He is, quite possibly one of my favorite little people

I'm Gonna Get Me One of These

Under all of that gear is a 4 year old Will-Son (that's what I'm calling him these days) ready for a typical day of pre-school. Gosh--this kid is a hoot and he gives the best loves & kisses EVER. Thanks for sending me the pict, Lor. I love it & you. By the way, Lori makes the bestest mango salsa in the history salsas. Mmmmm. I'm not exactly sure what kind of pre-school Lori is sending this kid to--but it would appear that it is extremely dangerous. So dangerous, in fact, that Will feels he needs to go heavily armed. I suppose he just wants to be prepared in case someone tries to steal his fruit-roll-ups. Please note sword, gun, helmet, super-boots, wrench (in his pocket) and at one point an arrow. Several weeks ago, Will was MIA at the pre-school. He was probably out hunting for elk or saving children from a burning building. Who know what type of superpowers this kid has.

On another note--I know my blogging this week has been less than stellar. Perhaps I just didn't pace myself. All of those posts on Sunday wore me out. Actually, it has been a busy week (nothing new there). It seems like no matter how hard I work or prepared I think I am--it's always mayhem before leaving on a trip. These are just some things I've been working on today (I'm writing them down so I'll remember that I actually did accomplish some things in the craziness of this day. . it calms me):

-Preparations for Christmas decorating (WSC, Hinckley Bldg., MOA, Maesar, Library, etc.) Not to mention getting the store ready for our Christmas Preview Night! It's all coming so quickly. SCARY!
-I finally finished a family album I've been designing (very sporadically) for months and took it out to Mapleton for a final review by the photographer. I hope the family likes it. . .this actually makes me nervous.
-Wedding flowers. I'm heading to Idaho for my cousin's wedding, a baby shower, and a missionary report. Busy weekend. . .with lots of photography opportunities. The Passat is fully fueled and ready for a flower-filled road trip.
-Still trying to get rid of the wart on my foot.
-Cleaning and decorating for Fall frolic.
-Trying to keep up with voice messages and e-mails to avoid a message pile-up upon my return. -I'm still actively looking for a stinkin' afternoon delivery driver. I've done bunches of interviews, but nothing seems to be working out. I'm taking it as a sign. What kind of sign--I'm not sure yet, but I hope we find someone soon. My employees have been so good the past few months to help out, but it's time for someone permanent. Keep your eyes and ears open. . . Stephen--you might have to move back to Utah. I need you, man!
-I talked to Laura tonight. They are having a great time in New York. It makes me so jealous. She better be taking notes. . .I'm going to need them SOON.

My next post will be on-location. . .stay tuned!