Happy Halloween Indeed! And why I Went as Ilona Maher.

Zarah is so funny. She originally wanted a unicorn onesie but this popped up on Amazon when we were shopping. Every time she put this on, I instantly was laughing. Glad for the laughs!

It was just us trick or treating this year. Other friends were too fast or got tired too quickly. I ate up every moment with this unicorn riding princess. 

Thought of my dad. Not because of the skeleton, you weirdo, but because he had a blue dune buggy when he lived in Utah in the 60s. 

The only picture I have of Ellis this year. As soon as pizza was in his belly and his feet hit the ground in Eagle Mountain, he was off. This year he went with a school friend and I hardly saw him. 

Me as Ilona Maher. My favorite Olympian and rugby player. 

This is why I was Ilona:

I wish I had women sports figures to look up to that had positive body image. Instead, all I really saw of athletes were the male pro-athletes. Women in sports was a thing but we didn’t have many in the spotlight like the men were. 

There also weren’t woman with my body type highlighted in sports. I have always been taller than my female peers and I also have always weighed more. I was born with big shoulders and more muscular curves. Ilona shows us that there is a place for bigger women. We can be beasts on the playing field and still get all fancy with clothes and makeup. There is room for both. 

Ilona also encourages people to get out and move and to try new things and get out of our comfort zones. Both Zarah and I have loved watching Dancing with the Stars and Ilona slaying it there. My favorite moment while watching was during one of Ilona’s dances, Zarah flexed her biceps, looked over at me and said: “Look Mom, I’m strong like Ilona!” 

Ilona is what girls today need. They need to know that their bodies are miracles and can do amazing things. They need to know that there is space for all body types in sports. They need to know that being strong is okay, in fact it is something we all need be strong to live long and happy lives. They need to know that fueling their bodies should be a priority and should be enjoyable.  They need to know that it’s okay to have a voice and a personality.  They need to know that they are just like Ilona: beast, beauty, and brains(Ilona’s tagline…oh how I need one of her shirts!)

I loved my short time playing club rugby at Utah Stare University! I am so glad that watching Ilona and her amazing teammates play has reminded me how much I love rugby. I needed it back in my life. 
 

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today this guy turns 82. I called this morning and left an obnoxious message. Didn’t call back. Of course I thought to call after it was too late. I guess this year I’m not the prized child!

Dad taught me lots of things. Important things like, the importance of family dinner(20 minutes at the table even if you finished eating after 5), how to be a proud American(this is hard these days…especially when I am the only one standing for the Pledge daily in class.), the importance to Veterans Day parades, the importance of the 4th of July and fireworks, the importance of working hard and doing it well, the love of gardening(I was always in the garden with him…even as a baby in a “car seat”), the love of football, the art of keeping things organized(I now ask the same question: “where are my scissors?…kids make organization hard), the meaning of did you check your tires?(which means I love you!), and so many more important things!!!

Like the value of Polka and how to dance it. Dancing with him at my wedding was one of the most special moments(besides marrying my wonderful husband of course.)

I can already tell that being a grandparent is a sweet blessing. He is a great one!

And of course humor. My dad sure can make a room laugh. I think his skills have also spread to my kids. Look how E is mocking his grandpa being old. 

Happy Birthday Dad! Hope today was as special as you are! 
 

Kids being kids…

 Fun fact: my favorite class is my bike class. Another fun fact: this is one of my favorite students. Another fun fact: this is one of my favorite pics from the last week. 

Nothing is more ridiculous than an almost grown human riding a kids’ bike. Truly, one of my favorite parts of working on bikes! You’re welcome. 

Dreams do come true!

I have been waiting years for the Provo River Delta to be finished. Basically this new delta will provide a place for The June Sucker, a native and endangered species of Utah Lake, to thrive. This sucker can only be found in Utah Lake which is crazy to think about. Why are some fish seen worldwide but others stuck in one place?

Now my bike class can ride out there, but we may be late for our next class like we were today. Guess I better get them to pedal faster!

The view from the new tower is breathtaking. If you’re a local be sure to check it out. 

I look forward to many rides out to the lake and around the new loop. 

 

Camping #2

Heart rock collection. 

Z and Rozz

E and Rozz

Me and Rozz

The set up. 

 Had the campground all to ourselves. It was a bit chilly at night but glamping is amazing because our little heater keeps us toasty! The camper is now winterized and I will just be waiting for spring!

Camping #1

 We escaped to Starvation Reservoir this weekend. It was filled with skipping rocks, coloring, playing games and eating good food. Much needed. Makes me sad to think that we winterize the camper this week. Now, I’ll be yearning for spring!

I Am A Writer

 I met with a friend this week for a writing group. A few weeks back we had met as members of The Central Utah Writing Project and were both reminded about how writing makes us feel better. We both feel writing gives us more purpose. So..we started our own writing group and Wednesday was the first time we met.

I have committed to work on my novel again. I’m glad. I needed the push. That night I also found an amazing book about writing(We met at my favorite book shop!). It is a daily meditations for writers kind of book. Love it. I send my friend a screenshot of the page of the day. Here is  one:

The book is called: Walking on Alligators: A Book of Meditations for Writers by Susan Shaughnessy.

Very cool book!

My Dog is Cuter…

 Than any Presidential Canidate! 

Sick Day

 Reub had some doctor appointments yesterday so I had to get a substitute for school. 

I was grateful to spend a day with my favorite girl. We watched Disney movies and cuddled, I fixed E’s millionth flat tire on his bike, I rode my Peleton, I read, I did some laundry, and we did art projects. 

She is on the mend and I’ll go to work tomorrow. 

A day of slowing down and less responsibility was welcomed and needed. 

Reminded.

 Today I was reminded of two things:

1. Having work without students on occasion is wonderful. I now have a clean office and feel prepared to tackle the next few weeks. 

2. I do not like cleaning up puke. 🤢 As a mom, sometimes I am required to do so. Z apologized at one point and I told her it is just something moms and dads have to deal with. Don’t worry, I had the inspiration of Luisa from Encanto and the song “Surface Pressure” to give me strength. Music is helpful in tough situations. “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson helped this summer when dealing with a dead mouse at my sister’s house. 

What songs give you strength?

And That’s a Wrap

 

I had a blast with my siblings being on my turf. It was fun to finally show my brother around both my house and central Utah. 

The professional pics from Camera Shy turned out amazing. The goofy ones are favorites. We took pictures at the same little studio when my mom visited ten years ago. Ellis has changed just a smidge. 

Carmel Apples Pro Tip

 I love many things about Fall. Carmel apples are a special treat. We were tempted to buy some at Gardner Village but they were huge and expensive. So…my brilliant sister suggested having a carmel apple bar. 

What you need: 

1. Apples

2. Carmel

3. A variety of toppings put into cute themed containers. Ours were skulls filled with Charleston Chews, Oreos, M&Ms, sour gummies. We also had whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and maraschino cherries. 

Our version probably cost us less than half of buying the fancy pants gourmet ones and were more fun to assemble.  

Cascade Springs, The Alpine Loop and Pumpkin Carving

Erich and my Dog were instant friends. 

Andi is a very wonderful auntie!

 

Proof my brother was here. 

Gardner Village Never Disappoints!

The witch decide at Garner Village always makes me smile. 

  

 Not pictured…the amazing professional pictures my sister had done. One day I’ll get the digital copies. Also, not pictured: the amazing beef empanada, and me screaming in the tiny roller coaster at the amusement park. Can you feel how chili it has been this weekend?

Drawing

 

 I do not draw much. But sometimes I do and mostly it doesn’t turn out. But sometimes, it’s ok:

Sometimes it annoys my tween and he draws a very not cute picture of me even though he draws all the time and is good at it:

Fall Break Poem

 An ode to fall break 

The pause between start and mid

Deep breath in; stress out.