Earth Hour 2011-Going Beyond The Hour

This past Saturday was Earth Hour. My little sis, who is a total greenie, turned me on to this last year while we were visiting them in California. Joc then put a friendly little reminder on Facebook letting us know that it was Saturday, and that she totally expects us sisters to be participating. Well, I didn't reply right away, because I didn't know if I would get it together or not, but it never left my mind.

Saturday afternoon we spent over at the Mastricola's for Rachel's 12th birthday.


As I was hanging out with Nick and Heather I through out the idea of having an Earth Hour party. I had talked with Nathan, Art, and Brad, and decided it would be fun, but wanted to see who else would be interested. Well, Nick and Heather were game, but only could do it if we did it at there house. Done!


After we wrapped up the birthday party, I dropped Carter and Dustin off for a nap, and I went and ran errands. Brad met me at the store, we got stuff for s'mores, chicken, and chips and salsa, then met back at my house.


We then headed back to the Mastricola's to prepare for the gathering. Ash, Tawny, Red, were all there hanging out, and decided to stay for the party. Now, lets be honest. I think a large majority of the people thought I was crazy, but fortunately for me, Nick took this and ran with it. It made it a lot of fun to plan.


At about 7:45 we started getting things ready. Nick got candles out, we pulled around the fire pit and we began trying to put together all we need for the hour we would go without power.




At 8:28 we turned out the lights and called it good. Nick turned off all the breakers and our Earth Hour began. Let me just tell you...IT. WAS. AWESOME!!!





It truly turned out to be so much fun. It was something so different then usual, and it was all for a good cause. We laughed, made hot dogs, cooked chicken, sat out in the garage with a camp fire, and just hung out with our gang.





Once our hour without power was over, none of us were ready to stop. So, Nick turned on the breakers but we chose to keep the majority of the power off. As the night ended, we were all full of laughs and a memory to keep. We voted at the end of the night this would become a tradition and something we look forward to doing again.





Thank you again to all our peeps who hung out with us that night. We had a great, much needed, time!

My Mom Turns The Big 6-0!

Yesterday was my mom's 60th birthday. This is a birthday she has been dreading, and my sisters and I wanted to make sure it was an extra special one. See, my mom is KNOWN for making the big birthdays seem to really count. She always makes them special and we wanted to try to do the same for this one.

Thursday my sisters and I went back and forth on different ideas, and decided the best way to make it a birthday to remember is to celebrate her day ALL. DAY. LONG!!!

Stacy and kids started it off at her work first thing in the morning with balloons and a crown that stacy had made.


At about 10:00 Garry had the next drop off and delivered a fruit arrangement.

At 12:00 Stacy, the grandkids, and I dropped off a birthday cake for her to share with her co-workers and sang happy birthday.



We decided to do the final drop off at her house, instead of work, because she got off a few minutes early. So, S, Gar, Grandbaby's, and I were waiting for her when she got home. We had a large bouquet of flowers waiting for her, with a little note that said, "FOR THE QUEEN."


As soon as she saw the flowers, we sent her into her room for a pair of sandals and a few pairs of socks. This was going to be the time us girls were going for a pedicure, one of our favorite things to do.


I than took mom's keys and excorted her to our next stop....DSW for a new pair of kicks. We didn't know what kind of shoes she would want and we wanted to make sure they were a pair that was comfortable and fun for her.


I think we did good!


The last stop was Red Robin for dinner. Here all of our families met and we were able to enjoy one another's company.


While at Red Robin mom opened her card from Jocelyn, whom we all missed dearly, and sent loves her way.



The final surprise was a beautiful watch from Gar. My mom had wanted one, but didn't know that Gar knew and he took it upon himself to find an AMAZING watch fit for the Queen.


We shared a scrumptious dessert and called it a night.


My mom was really struggling with turning 60. She said she woke up with the blahs over it, but as the night ended she was nothing but grins and smiles. I think she had a really good birthday and I hope it is one she remembers. I kept telling her, "Mom, its going to come rather you want it or not...SO BRING IT ON!"

She brought it the only way she knows how, with love, grace, and finally acceptance! HAPPY 60th MOMMY! Thank you for all you do for everyone of us. You truly are an amazing mom, and it was a pleasure celebrating your day with you! I LOVE YOU!!!

The First BBQ At Our Home

This last Tuesday, Dustin and I were driving home from work, the sun was out and we were in desperate need of a home cooked hamburger. So, we decided to go to Home Depot and buy the conversion kit we needed for our barbecue.

I then ran into Smiths, bought some hamburger buns, a patty maker, and ketchup, and we headed home. We were really excited to setup the bbq in our backyard and spend some much needed time outside.


As soon as we got home, Dustin converted the barbecue while I made the pattys. It was not as simple as hoped, I don't think much ever is, but once it was all done, we were super excited!




We made amazing burgers and grilled some fresh asparagus. The weather was perfect and we couldn't have been more excited. Carter loved being outside, playing with his basketball hoop and his rocket.





As we were finishing dinner, Carter noticed a little bird playing in our fountain. He was so fascinated in watching this little bird. He slowly walked over, looked, came back, got dad, and then just watched for several minutes as the bird took a bath.





This barbecue got us aching for more spring days and summer nights out on the patio. It was perect!

A Night Just To Unwind

Saturday I spent the day at Nathan's doing homework. Dustin was at work and we had a lot to get done before Brad and Nathan went on their cruise. Nathan and I worked on several papers and an outline. We had spent the previous evening taking a mid-term test and were just trying to catch up.

As the homework concluded, we decided we wanted to just kind of chill and spend some time together. Dustin got off work and we decided to go grab a bite to eat. Once we were done we went back to Nathan's.

Dustin played video games, Nathan surfed the net, and Brad and I just started going through music videos on youtube. Well, the night continued to go on and we were having a ball. We listened to music from Olivia Newton-John to Kesha to Clint Black. We listened to, watched, and analyzed all kinds of music, and decided that when Def Leopard and Heat come to town in August, WE ARE SO GOING!




We then heard Nathan karaokeing to Counting Crows, and we immediately joined. We then spent the evening singing, looking at movies, and just relaxing. It was so much fun and we were all able to just unwind.



The next morning we met for breakfast and then shortly after the two boys, Brad and Nathan, headed south to Las Vegas for the night. They then boarded their cruise ship Monday and are gone for this week.

I'm Coming Home...After Seattle!

Thursday morning I woke up and began getting ready. I had received a text from my principal asking a question, and decided I should logon to my e-mail. I pulled out my computer, turned on the net, and found out I was to pay $9.95 in my room. I called the front desk and asked why it wasn't working. Turns out when they say "Free internet" it means in the lobby only. To be in the comfort of my own room would cost extra.

I was extremely frustrated and decided it was time to just check out of my room. I asked they pull my car around and I bounced. I went to Liz's where she was waiting and off on our adventure we went.

It was so nice to spend the day with Liz. I had not seen her since December of 2009, and we had a lot of catching up to do. We went and got coffee and a pastry, then went to check out her new home. It is darling!!!





Once that was out of the way we headed to Seattle to do some site seeing. We found a parking lot, that said, "$5 parking" and I thought that was a great deal. We parked the car and out we went. We spent the majority of the afternoon at Pike's Market. It was so fun to see this famous place and we walked all over. We saw a lot of seafood, stores, markets, and entertainers. I finally got to see the ocean water and I found comfort taking it all in.


Liz and I then decided to go eat some clam chowder in a bread bowl. It was delicious, but then time for us to take Liz back. As we got back to my car, Liz noticed an envelope on my car and asked what it was. Turns out I got a parking ticket, $50, due to my back tire crossing the line. WHAT! I was livid. I then had to pay $28 for my parking spot, because it was $5/hr parking. RIDICULOUS!!! So, within less than 24 hours, I spent close to $100 in nothing BUT parking!!! Arghhh!






Liz and I talked the entire time, and it was so nice to finally spend some serious girl time. Unfortunately, I don't have many girlfriends back home anymore, and it was much needed to just chat.




At about 2:00 we said goodbye and I headed to Seatac. I filled up my cute little car and returned it. I then got on my shuttle and went to the airport. I tried to catch the 4:30 plane to Salt Lake, but due to a checked bag, I was unable to get on. So, I read through my e-mails, replied, and anxiously awaited to get home.

Once we got on the plane, I pulled out my book and read. I was so excited to get home and be with my family. Dustin and Carter were waiting for me when I walked out and Carter was feeling much better.

Washington was an amazing trip. I felt like I conquered a lot and was able to prove to myself I can travel alone and as long as I have a good GPS system, survive. I really enjoyed my time, but was so glad to come home to my world.