(43-281) Only In Arizona...

I had to go and look at more yearbooks today, but I needed to trek out to Mesa to do it.  Now if yer not from round these parts, I can tell you that from my house (dependin on where you're going to in Mesa)  it can take 45 minutes to an hour to get there; when there's not traffic.  As all of the highways in my area are totally under construction at this time; I knew that it was more than likely that I'd have myself a bit of a wait; and since I was already nervous about travelling somewhere that I'm unfamiliar with, I  asked my friend Kailene to take a lil road trip with me.

Arizona just seems to be one of those places, where you stay round what you know.  Everything is conveniently located, so there's not a whole lotta reason to venture out of your little town; unless you have something specific to do in another.  With this being said, I can tell you that in the 14 years that I've lived in Arizona, I've probably been to Mesa ten times max, and each time for a specific purpose like visiting the Scrapbooks etc. store, going to Ruffler's Roost (the ribbon store,) or going to the Scrapbook Convention.  Clearly, Mesa is a scrapbooking mecca.  But I digress.  My visit to Mesa today had nothing at all to do with scrapbooking.  It was entirely about yearbooking; and I was so glad that my friend Kailene came along with me, since I was definitely chartering through unknown territory and I always enjoy spending time with her.

I had carefully mapped out directions from my house to the Mesa school district office (did I forget to mention that I don't own a GPS,) and from there to another high school, should time allow.  Kailene and I reviewed nine yearbooks during my appointment, and over two hours later we were on our way to our next stop.  As we were driving down the road, a sign for an event hall caught our attention.  The name of the catering hall was "Salt and Pepper."  Yes, Salt and Pepper Event Hall to be exact.  Kailene and I laughed and laughed about this, because we were picturing a wedding invitation and what it might say, "Please join us for the blessed union of jack and Jill on may 4, 2011 at the salt and Pepper Event hall."  Need I say more?  Hmm, yes, I 'd better.  Dear owners of the Salt and Pepper Event Hall, if you happen to be reading this, I apologize for making fun of your perfectly good name.  I'm sure that you arrange world class events  and you chose this name for some reason that's near and dear to you.  I wish you nothing but continued success.

Moving right along... As we continued on our journey, we passed several lil unsanitary lookin motels.  But none made an impression on us as much as this one:

That's right folks.  You read that correctly.  It says Buckhorn Baths Motel.  Stop the presses!  I've seen it all now.  Where else would one want to go after having their nuptial celebration at Salt and Pepper but to Buckhorn baths, Hot mineral spa and wildlife museum?  That's right, I said wildlife museum.  Now sadly I can't apologize to the owner of this fine establishment, Alice Sliger, and have it mean anything; because she passed away last year at the uncommon age of 103.  Now you may ask yourself how I've come to know this, and I'll tell ya.  I did my research.  YES, research.  I found out that "The Buckhorn was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, and in 2007 the Arizona Preservation Foundation included the property on the Arizona’s Most Endangered Historic Places list.

The baths were instrumental in Mesa getting its first spring training team, which was the beginning of the Cactus League. Some of baseball’s greatest players soothed their injuries in the baths during the Buckhorn’s heyday. Sliger amassed a large collection of photos and other memorabilia from running the Buckhorn since the 1930s."

The property is also important because it is the quintessential example of early roadside lodges.  Alice’s husband Ted was a part-time taxidermist who amassed more than 400 preserved animals, which were on display on the site."  Only in Arizona I tell ya.  Well maybe not...                                                                        

Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-263) Oh Scrappy Day!!!

A couple of weeks ago, my friend Mari asked me if I wanted to go to the CK Scrapbook Convention on April 16.  At first I didn't think that I was interested in going, since I really don't have money to spend on scrapbook supplies right now; but ultimately I decided that it would be fun to go regardless;  and I accepted her invitation.  With Mari's consent I asked Jenny to join us, along with the five other friends that were already planning to go.  Unfortunately, Mari wasn't able to make it to the convention, because her 18 year old daughter had to have surgery on Thursday.  She was sadly missed, but was certainly there with us in spirit.

Luis and I discussed the convention, and I asked if he would be alright with me spending $10 while I'm there.  Luis didn't think this was quite fair; and told me that I should be able to spend $20.  Now I know that if you've ever been to the convention, you're thinking that $20 sounds like nothing; but to me, it was plenty.  Having been to the convention before, I knew that I was only going to buy something if I thought it was special; OR if it was  a really great price for something that I'd definitely use. 

Within the three hours that we were at the convention,  I bought 2 packages of foam, glitter, letter stickers for $1 per pack, and 1 package of epoxy snowflake stickers, for $1.  If you're counting that's $3 spent so far.  The next item that I wanted to purchase were Prima-esque flowers.  For you non-scrapbookers, Prima is a company that amongst other things, makes the most beautiful flowers in all types of papers and fabrics; but they can be a little pricey.  Although they were being sold for less money than usual, at the convention; I still wasn't sure that I was prepared to invest.  Luckily, I found a booth that had flowers very similar to Prima, but for a fraction of the cost; so I bought 10 flowers for $2.  I wouldn't have been able to buy even one package of Prima flowers for that price.  Oh Scrappy day!

With $5 spent, Jenny and I agreed to share a box of Bazzill paper.  For you non-scrapbookers, Bazzill is (in my opinion) the premier cardstock for scrapbooking.  They were offering an empty pizza style box for $20.  You would then fill the box with approximately 100 sheets of the 12x12 cardstock of your choice.   I proposed to Jenny that we split a box, and she agreed.  Our friend Lisa B was also going to buy a box, as well as one for Mari, so we purchased the four together because if you bought more than one box, the price for the additional boxes was only $15 each.  Score!  My portion was $7.50 and I asked Lisa to put my additional $2.50 towards Mari's box; as did Jenny.  When our other friends saw how little I'd purchased, they found it amusing; but I was very pleased.  I managed to leave the convention having spent only $15.

We went to lunch, and then to the ribbon store.  Yes, a store that sells ONLY ribbon.  It's just heavenly.  Mari had called and asked that we each buy her a couple of yards of ribbon; which she insited on reimbursing us for.  She assigned each of us a two colors and asked that we buy her two kinds of ribbon per color.  Mine were lime green and turquoise.  I liked the ones that I'd chosen for Mari so much, that I bought a couple of yards for myself, and was still under the $20.  From there we went to Scrapbooks etc. and I bought two sheets of paper and an apple cider lollipop; but it didn't cost me anything, because my friend Julie wouldn't take my $2.50 since I'd bought her a frappe at McDonald's this morning.

With all of the scrapbook paper that we'd looked at today, the one thing that I didn't see was the ONE piece of paper that I need in order to finish the Holiday card layout that I started the last time that I cropped at Mari's.  I'm on the process of making three identical layouts for my kids, but I was only able to complete two as I ran out of one of the papers for the third.  When I got home and realized that I hadn't stopped at Crop girls, to buy my one sheet; I looked online to see what time they closed.  With  only 25 minutes till closing,  I drove over to the store; and as luck would have it, there was exactly one sheet left.   I spent all of .86 which is almost unheard of for a scrapbooker; and I was on my way.

I'm so glad that I decided to go today.  I had a wonderful time spending a day with the ladies and my desire to scrapbook has been rejuvenated.  I stuck to my budget; and I REALLY like what I purchased; so my mission was accomplished.

Speaking of mission accomplished...I want to give myself a lil pat on the back, as tonight's blog is my 400th post EVER!  Thank you so much for joining me.       

Till next time...

Queen  of EVERYTHING                                                                    

                                                

(43-165) The BEST Apple Crisp Recipe EVER...

After a hard day of painting and cleaning; Luis went to the movies with the SMF's.  And since I gave the definition of SMF, way back in "OH What a Night!" I'll again explain, for any new readers or anyone who's forgotten;that SMF stands for Sexy, Mother F____er; which is how Luis, David, Mike and Big Mike; refer to each other.  Anyway, while Luis was at the movies, my friend Jenny (wife of David;) sent me an instant message on Facebook and told me that if David remembered, Luis should be bringing me some apple crisp that she'd made.  I thanked Jenny, and within a few minutes; Luis arrived home; with apple crisp in hand.

I took a bite of the apple crisp.  ONE bite mind you; and I was IMPRESSED!  The apple crisp was, dare I say, PERFECT!  The apples were tender and almost reminiscent of a baked apple, while the crust was firm and crunchy.  If I had to describe this apple crisp; which for the sake of this blog, I do; I would actually call it an apple cakey crisp; because in between the apple and the crisp, was a thin layer of cake.  To which, I must bite of Rachael Ray and say, YUM-O!   

A couple of months ago, I shared "The BEST Caramel Apple Recipe EVER..."  which coincidentally, was David's recipe; and in the interest of (say it with me,) "The GREATER Good," tonight I will share Jenny's apple crisp recipe as well; as I think it is The BEST Apple Crisp Recipe EVER...

4 Cups Thinly sliced,tart,apples (ie - Granny Smith or Macintosh)
1/2 Cup Brown sugar
1 Cup Flour
3/4 Cup Sugar
1 Tsp. Baking powder
1/4 Tsp. Salt(you can use up to 1/2 tsp. if you prefer more salt)
1 Egg slightly beaten
1/3 Cup  Butter melted and cooled
1/2 Tsp. Cinnamon

Mix the first two ingredients and arrange in a 9" baking dish.
Mix the next four ingredients and add egg.  Mix until crumbly,
sprinkle on mixture; drizzle with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

David and Jenny are not only the makers of delicious, apple desserts; they are also Christmas Cookie Chefs, extraordinaire; as I told you in "A Cure For The Back to School Blues."   I am very fortunate to have David and Jenny in my life; not only for the terrific treats that they share with me; but because their friendship has made my life a little sweeter.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING  

(43-144) Lyndzi's 9th Birthday

I can't believe that Lyndzi turned 9 today.  You'd think that I'd be used to the wacky, ageing thing, since I have a son who's 11 1/2; but I'm not.  It's just unbelievable how quickly the time goes and it's so interesting to see the changes in how the kids relate to their friends. 

Since the girls agreed to go out to dinner last Saturday night, on Kelsie's birthday; tonight was the night that they were going to have friends over.  I told each of the girls that they could invite 3 friends.  Kelsie invited 3 girls from her class but no one had RSVP'd.  I saw one of the mom's on campus one day, (a couple of weeks ago) and I asked if her daughter was going to be able to come over for Kelsie's birthday.  The mom told me that her anniversary was around that time; and she asked if the invitation was just for a play date.  When I explained that it was actually for Kelsie's birthday, the mom said that her daughter could definitely come.  Well, on Thursday I went on campus in the morning because Nicky had too much to carry and he needed some help.  As we were waiting for the morning bell; Kelsie buried her head in my stomach and told me that her friend was not going to be able to come over.  The friend's sister explained that her mom had decided to go out to dinner that night instead.  Kelsie grew increasingly distressed and wouldn't remove her head from my stomach.  The sister asked if she was OK, but I explained that she was sad.  I told her that no one else had RSVP'd, and now two days before the get together Kelsie has no friends coming over.

I was very upset for Kelsie, and I tired to think of a way to make the situation better for her; so I emailed the moms of her two pre-school buddies, to see if by any chance they were free; but they weren't.  I picked Kelsie up from school and she seemed to be fine; until we were safely inside our house and she asked what to do about her party.  I suggested that she call her friend Natalia, and let her know that she didn't need to bring a present;  because Natalia had told her that the reason that she couldn't come was because she didn't have a present.  Natalia accepted Keslie's offer and I confirmed with her dad; but then I had to laugh, because in order to insure that there were no mishaps with Natalia coming over; Kelsie asked me to pick her up, and I HAPPILY agreed.

Lyndzi had two friends over; even though the mom of the third friend had confirmed with me on Wednesday; after asking if she could send her 10 year old daughter as well.  I gladly, agreed BUT on Friday the friend informed Lyndzi that her dad was not willing to bring her; so she wasn't going to be able to attend.  And just like I didn't put my two sense in regarding Kelsie's let down; I'm not going to say what I really think about this situation either; because if you know me; then you already know.

We woke Lyndzi up at 615 this morning with a loud rendition of "Happy Birthday."  We then went to Nicky's soccer game, Kelsie's 1st of her double-header, Lyndzi's game, and Kelsie's 2nd game of her double header.  Good games; all 4!

As soon as we got home from soccer; I made the Ice cream cake, and went to Jo-Ann for some additional supplies that were going to be needed for tonight's craft. I picked Natalia up at 445 and by 530 the rest of the guests had arrived.  We let each of the girls make their own pizza, with dough that we'd bought at Trader Joes; we each made 2 Shabby Blossoms, and they had ice cream cake.  Then before I knew it; the evening was over.

Despite the difficulties in confirming with their friends; I think the girls had a wonderful time celebrating their birthdays for the past week.  I'm so sorry that the girls had to be let down; however, I know from experience that each disappointment helps you appreciate all that you have.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-120) Forty Three Reasons That I Am THANKFUL

Thanksgiving is my very, FAVORITE holiday.  It always has been, and if you tune in again tomorrow; I promise that you'll find out one of the biggest reasons why... 

Now if you've read "The Bumpy Ride" before; then you know that I am all about giving thanks, and expressing my gratitude, for even the simplest of things.  And since this year in particular, I am grateful for EVERY day that I draw breath; I've decided to share my list of Forty Three Reasons That I Am THANKFUL this holiday.

In "100 MORE Random Things About Me;" I told you that I make lists; which is kind of ironic, considering that , in and of itself, that blog was a list.  But, at the risk of being repetitive or God forbid, predictable.  I'm going to have at it again; and in no particular order; here we go.

I'm Thankful:

  1.    To be alive
  2.    For my 3 AMAZING children; Nicky, Lyndzi and Kelsie
  3.    For my INCREDIBLE husband; Luis
  4.    For my cousin Jackie, and all of the love that she is bringing into my life
  5.    For Hershey, (my bilingual Chihuahua) and her daily companionship
  6.    For coffee
  7.    To live in the United States of America
  8.    For the men and women in our armed services; who keep us safe
  9.    For bottled water
10.    For my children's teachers
11.    That the Art Nazi is no longer working at my kid's school 
12.    For my kid's soccer coaches (ESPECIALLY the one who's a good kisser)
13.    That I have healthy children
14.    That I am my own person
15.    For people who take the time to read "The Bumpy Ride"
16.    For everyone that encourages me to keep writing "The Bumpy Ride"
17.    For my wonderful In-laws (ALL of them!!)
18.    For my laptop; which enables me to write my blog any time, anywhere
19.    For FREEDOM (each and every kind)
20.    For laughter and everyone that inspires it
21.    For ALL of my friends; old and new!
22.    For Facebook
23.    For my creativity
24.    For my ability to write
25.    That my children always thank me for every meal that I give them
26.    For email
27.    For fresh air
28.    That I'm determined
29.    That Bristol Palin didn't win "DWTS"
30.    For comfy pajamas

31.    For Dreyer's Slow churned 1/2 the fat ice cream (you can't taste a  difference; REALLY)

32.    For Diet Dr. Pepper Cherry and Diet Mountain Dew

33.    For our home

34.    For my job

35.    For Luis' job

36.    For unexpected surprises

37.    For Kohl's - their sensational sales and unbelievable return policy

38.    For The Macy's Thanksgiving day parade

39.    My health

40.    For new experiences

41.    For books

42.    For EVERY minute that I share with my family and friends

43.    That my husband understands the importance of waiting until the day AFTER Thanksgiving to put up our Christmas lights

In honor of Thanksgiving, I think it's important to take a few minutes and remember many of the reasons that we have to be grateful.  No matter how bad any of us may think that we have it; I'm absolutely certain that there are many who would be all to happy to trade places with us.  Thanksgiving is a time to acknowledge all that you have and not dwell on what you have not.   It's a time to be appreciative of experiences past and present; and all that we are blessed to have, from things that we take for granted to things that make our lives a little easier and things that we couldn't live without.

I wish you all a TERRIFIC Thanksgiving, and I hope that you gobble till you wobble.                                                   

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING                                              

(43-106) A Blueprint for a B.F.F

I picked the kids up on campus today (even though the Art Nazi is gone;) and while I was there, one of Kelsie's friends came running over to give her a hug goodbye; and said "See you tomorrow B.F.F"  I wonder if my kids would believe me if I told them that even when I was back in elementary school, we used to write B.F.F. on notes that we would pass to friends.  Yes, I've had my share of B.F.F's over the years; or at least friends who I thought would be friends forever; but sometimes that just isn't possible.  Just like I wrote in "Nothing Much," sometimes people grow apart; and it doesn't minimize how much they cared for each other or erase the memories that they shared; it just means that sometimes friendships change.

In reflecting on my 43 years of life, and what it means to have a friend and be a friend; I have come up with a blueprint of what it really takes to be a B.F.F. and here's my DISCLAIMER:

I am absolutely, positively, NOT writing about any one in particular; but sharing my general points of view on the matter.

A best friend is someone that you're always happy to see or hear from, and someone that you always want to make time for.  

A best friend is someone who sticks with you in good times and in bad. 

A best friend will stand by you when you're in a jam; and try to help you find solutions for your problems.  A best friend looks out for your best interests and tries to help whenever possible.

A best friend doesn't always tell you what you want to hear; sometimes they tell you what you NEED to hear.  There are enough people in this world who are willing to yes you to death, or let you walk around with toilet paper on your shoe or broccoli in your teeth; but a BEST Friend; should tell you the truth whether you're going to like it or not, and you should welcome them to; because if they really are your best friend, they are speaking from a place of sincerity,  love and concern.  A best friend shares their opinion even if it's contrary to yours and then needs to respect your choices, even if they don't agree with them. 

A best friend is someone with whom you can enjoy life's simple pleasures.  You don't always have to be going, running, doing; to be able to enjoy the time that you share. 

A best friend is someone with whom you have common interests, goals, values and ideals.   You don't have to have come from the same place, but you are heading in the same direction.

A best friend is someone that is aware of all of your
attributes and shortcomings and loves you anyway. It's someone that accepts you for exactly who you are, and doesn't try to change you. Someone that you feel you can tell your biggest secrets, worst embarrassments, greatest joys and all of your dreams to; because they're not going to judge you.

If you are married; I would hope that your spouse is your best friend; since he / she is the person that you are most intimate with. By saying my "Best" friend it connotes that you could only have one; because only ONE person can be the best at something; but I say that a person should count themselves lucky to have as many individuals as possible that meet the above mentioned blueprint of a B.F.F.  I myself am VERY blessed to have my husband and the honest, supportive, nurturing, patient,true friends that grace my life and I hope that you can all say the same.                                       

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING