Fashion, revisited

Well, it seems that Kevin has become the fashion guru. While sitting in the parking lot at Jiffy Lube today, he commented on the appearance of an innocent-passerby. His comments began with the phrase, "Well, that girl is an interesting specimen," and went on to include everything wrong with her appearance. Redheads wearing all black? Not cool. Sandals with pants? Apparently a fashion faux pas.

After he was done with his commentary, I said something to the effect of, "Who died and made you the fashion god?"

To which he replied, "Honey, if I were the fashion guru, this world would be a much different place."

Exactly, honey. Exactly.

Happy Mother's Day

I'll be honest, there are days when motherhood can seem fairly unrewarding. But thankfully, those moments are fleeting. And it only takes one mother's day to let you know exactly how much you're loved.

My boys made me feel extra special this year. Not only did I get breakfast in bed, but also a fabulous new pasta cookbook I've been wanting and a new journal. But the best part was my very first homemade mother's day gift from my little guy:

I was bursting with pride and love as that little guy ran up to the stand during sacrament meeting and sang, "I Often Go Walking" and "Love is Spoken Here." He sang his heart out with a big smile on his face. I think my smile might have been bigger than his.

Motherhood is such a gift - the ultimate gift. I know how much I love my mother, and if Kyle loves me that much, I'll consider myself one lucky girl.

You Can Call Me 'Sir'

Today it's official. It's a done-deal. We belong to the U.S. Air Force.

We drove up to Hill AFB today for Kevin's commissioning. We didn't expect much, considering my dad's commissioning consisted of him pledging an oath to a friend, having it notarized, and mailing it in. But we were pleasantly surprised.

The ceremony may have brief, but it was touching. As Kevin raised his right hand and swore to protect and honor his country, it brought forth a flood of emotions.

Pride - What a blessing it is to live in a free country, a country that allows us to live without fear. A country that allows us to be whatever we desire. A country that encourages success, individuality, and good.

Honor - What an honor it is to be able to protect this free country. What an honor it is to make it a better place, and do all that we can do, wherever we go.

Trepidation - Who knows what we may be called to do, where we might go, or what situations we may someday face.

Faith - An overwhelming feeling that what we're doing is right; and not only is it right, but we're going to love it. Confidence that we'll be taken care of and enjoy blessings beyond measure.

It was an exciting day, the first step into our next stage of life. Kevin is now an official U.S. Air Force officer.

And as per his instructions, you may now address him as "Lt. Turner, SIR!"

Hiking in the Hills

Every time we move, we tend to go into panic mode. We don't panic about the boxes to be packed, addresses to change, bank accounts to close. We panic about all of the fun we've left un-done.

• Why haven't we tried that restaurant yet? We'd better go!
• Why haven't we been to "such and such" place? Let's go!
  
• We might not see these friends again! We'd better hang out as much as possible, so much that they're tired of us by the time we move.

It's as if we're trying to take advantage of all of the fun that we couldn't manage to cram in the several years we've lived someplace. Don't get me wrong, it's fun. We might go a little overboard, but we have a good time doing it.

And so today we decided to cram a little more fun in. For two years we've lived literally 500 yards from the mountains, yet we rarely use them. So we went hiking. We invited some friends, packed up some Doritos and Rice Krispie treats (the perfect energy foods, don't you think?) and set off for this hills.

It was a journey, with twin 18-month-olds, a 3-year-old who frequently refuses to walk, and a hike longer than expected. But we had a blast. Kyle brought his light saber along to help navigate the trail. We stopped for picnic near a stream and the kids got soaked. The parents were sweaty and dirty. But it was beautiful weather and good conversation with good friends. Can't ask for any better than that.

In fact, like all good things, it left us wanting more. But that's not a bad thing, right?

Beautiful

I had to post pictures of my little sister's high school prom, simply because she's
so beautiful and I love her to death!

I've Fallen Prey

Yes, I've fallen prey. I've jumped on the band wagon. You can officially count me as a devout fan of vampires. Well, just one in particular.

I first heard about Stephanie Meyer's books at book club. Melinda was absolutely raving about them. So naturally, I inquired to know more.

"Well," she began. "They're about vampires and..."

She must have seen a look of confusion, disbelief, digust? I don't know what my face said, but I know my brain said, "No way. Uh uh. I don't do sci-fi.

"I know, I know, she said. "It seems totally rediculous. But I'm telling you, they are SO good."

I left that discussion at book club, not giving the books another thought. But then another friend told me about them. And another friend. And another friend. It soon seemed that everytime I turned around, somebody else was raving about these books.

The final straw came on Sunday evening. We were having dinner with my aunts, uncles, and cousins. And sure enough, discussion turned to "the vampire" books.

"That's it," I thought. "I've got to see what all the fuss is about."

And so I succombed. I gave in. And now I'm obsessed. I finished the first one in one day and immediately called my neighbor for the second. I couldn't even wait until the next day, I had to have it that night. It's been 5 days and I'm obsessed. And apparently I'm not the only one. They're getting rave reviews around the country and continually on best seller's lists.

I'm not sure what makes them so good. They're young adult, for one thing. But I've always appreciated a good young adult book. And they're written by an LDS author, so that makes it easy to recommend it to a friend. And naturally, it's a love story. Granted, it's a love story between a human and a vampire, but you'll have to get over that.

And so I pass my recommendation on to you. Give them a try! And if you hate them, please let me know, because I'm dying to meet one person that doesn't love them.

Mexican Layer Dip

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!

1 Large can of refried beans
1 packet taco seasoning
1 pt. sour cream
2 ripe avacados
1 small can chopped green chilis
1 can olives, chopped
2-3 green onions, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
8 oz. grated cheddar cheese
8 oz. grated monterey jack cheese

1. Mix the taco seasoning and refried beans. Spread on large platterMix the avacados and sour cream. Layer over the beans.
2. Layer half of the cheeses, then the chilis, olives, green onions, and tomatoes.
3. Layer the rest of the cheese and refrigerate for one hour.

Serve with tortilla chips.

Graduation!

We've finally reached the big day. A day of pomp and circumstance. The end of one era and beginning of another.

It's hard to believe that two years ago we attended our first social at the business school. We were deciding between the University of Arizona and University of Utah, and the decision was a tough one. We wanted so badly to give Arizona a try, but continually felt pulled towards the U. In the end, we obviously went with the U and it's a decision we've never regretted.


It may sound cliche, but the program and professors have proved to be spectacular. We been blessed with learning opportunities and career choices that wouldn't have been likely at another institution. And that's just the schooling. I could go on and on about the fabulous friends we've met and the growth we've experienced, but that will have to wait for another day. A day closer to moving day.


And so today we celebrated Kevin's graduation. It rained and poured outside, but that didn't dampen our spirits. We even arose early enough to attend the official commencement ceremony, but only because President Thomas S. Monson was the keynote speaker. And the sacrifice proved worthy. Among his advice to graduates:

• Glance backward
• Reach outward
• Press forward
  

We celebrated with food, gifts and pictures. And we whooped loudly as Kevin accepted his diploma. And in case you were wondering - no, graduate students are not above sneaking beach balls in to the ceremony. And surprisingly, professors and security couldn't have cared less.

Sweetness

Kyle had some little friends over to play yesterday and they asked to watch a movie. I put on "Snow White" and walked into the bedroom to fold laundry. When I emerged, this sweetness is what I encountered:

By the way, what the picture doesn't adequately show is the fact that Vivi is softly stroking Kyle's hair! Kevin thought I should be alarmed (they're only three years old!) but I thought it was too darn cute.