It's not too late...

So - 2009 has not been the best year for my blog...and currently I have so many other details to finalize for Christmas...BUT:
I just wanted you to know about Paperless Post . It's the coolest e-card/e-vite site. They have great templates and lots of personalizing options. You can also track who's opened their card or invitation and the recipients can reply to you! Beautiful and classy and easy. These computer things sure are awesome.

So - go check out their site and sign-up and send out those Christmas cards!

Simple Saturday

Today was the ward Simple Saturday. Since it was my first one - I went with Simple instead of Super...just to figure it all out and see if people were really interested or if they were just making a big fuss because a tradition might go by the wayside. We hosted the event here at the house, and had about 15 people here. It was just the right size group for the house and meant that we didn't have to haul everything to the church. Here's a few pictures from the day!

Of course, the house was decorated for Christmas!
The ribbon tree project.
Each kit was individually packaged and labeled. Thanks to Trixie Lamour for the small baggies - they were perfect!
In the family room was the embroidered napkins project
In the dining room we had a Christmas star project and in the living room was the gift tags table.
Christmas star - with label! You can't really see it - but it looked good.
With people actually working on their projects - it was a lot of fun to sit and visit.
We also had wassail and a soup fest: creamy broccoli cheddar, southwest chicken, and a homemade turkey and wild rice that Reyna made. We bake'n'served rolls and bread sticks and it was such a fun time. I'm very pleased with the outcome. And now - very ready for a nap.

The Roadshow...

Below is the roadshow that I helped the youth produce. The theme was "superheros." The quality isn't that great as it was recorded on someone's phone - because the official recording didn't get started until after our performance. Turn up your speakers...and really - it's the dance number at the end that sells it.

Things to know: 1. The stick says "Kindness"
2. The dark part was a battle scene in slow motion/strobe light awesomeness
3. Reyna choreographed the finale
4. Everyone did their own costumes - and we won BEST COSTUMES.

Getting ready for the holidays...

A buck an ear...

I should be sleeping...but I saw this and had to share.

I want a print so bad - but where do you hang such a piece? Is it bedroom art? Bathroom? Where does one hang such an inspired work of art? Apparently in the Austin Art Garage . Also, he is not wearing a hairnet. And look at that forlorn little eye...LOVE IT!

Sharing honestly...

So - this note floated past on the Facebooks today - but I'm not really into "tagging" people - so here are my answers...just a random glimpse into Miss Five's world...

1.What was the last thing you put in your mouth
A mint from Sonic that was in my purse

2.Where was your Facebook profile picture taken?
In the orchard at the Elegant Farmer in Wisconsin

3.Can you play Guitar Hero?
Yes...on MEDIUM even!

4.Name someone who made you laugh today?
Reyna and Seth made me laugh today. Independent of each other...

5.What time did you go to bed and why?
I shoot for 10pm because I like lots of sleep. Often it's later though due to reading and hanging out watching shows.

6.If you could move somewhere else, would you?
I don't think I would. I like where I am and what life is doing right now.

7. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
No

8. Which of your friends lives closest to you?
My friends Reyna and Seth live closest to me...roughly 5 yards away.

9. Do you believe ex's can be friends?
It completely depends on why they are an ex. If it's because you both realized it wasn't going anywhere but no one was hurt, then sure. Otherwise...no.

10. How do you feel about Dr Pepper?
I like Dr. Pepper. It makes me think of my Grandpa Siple - back in the day that was his beverage of choice.

11. When was the last time you cried really hard?
Really hard? Mid-May. Just hard? End of September.

12. Who took your Facebook profile picture?
Reyna

13. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
The Malleys and Coldwaters in the apple orchard.

14. Was yesterday better than today?
No. Not that yesterday was bad - but today is more mellow and involves a massage.

15. Can you live a day without TV?
Yes. I can. There are shows I love but can totally live if I'm behind in watching them.

16. Are you upset about anything?
Oddly - no. Which I do think is weird for me.

17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
This is a dumb question - if I'm being honest here.

18. Are you a bad influence?
Oh yes, and one day I DO hope to use my forces for good - but what can you do!?

19. Night out or night in?
Night in.

20. What items could you not go without during the day?
My computer/iPhone. Soft Cheeks. My glasses/contacts. My watch. My sleep mask. Woobus.

21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
Reyna - who was having a baby.

22. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
"Hard to sum up in a text." So I called...

23. How do you feel about your life right now?
I feel good...pretty, pretty...pretty good.

24. Do you hate anyone?
Hate? I think there are people I would happily cross a busy intersection to punch - but hate?! Hmmm...yes?

25. If we were to look in your Facebook inbox, what would we find?
Some notes that I just haven't deleted.

26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
Yes. I would. You would find prescription meds...but they're legit...so it's cool.

27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
Not the actual word, no...I get a lot of "Is there anything you can't do?!" And in my head the long list of what I can't do begins...

28. What song is stuck in your head?
Oh man, it changes all the time. At this very moment, "I Know You By Heart" from Beaches. WHAT?!

29. Someone knocks on your door at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be?
A handsome and clever snuggle bunny who just "had to see" me.

30.Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50?
No...because that would be quite tricky with the math...

31. Name something you have to do tomorrow?
Get ready for the first Roadshow rehearsal.

32. Do you think too much or too little?
Too much - and often about very unrelated things...

Was this a REAL thing?

Wise

Cynicism is far too easy to be useful.

Carmen

My paternal grandmother always included a package of festive napkins in every box she ever sent us. We had napkins for every holiday and plenty of random designs, too. When they arrived (and I was still a young girl) I thought it was a little weird. I also thought maybe she just thought we spilled a lot and needed the help. But now that I've grown up I see what a fun gift they really are. If ever I have occasion to mail a package, I hope I have some fun and festive napkins to include. Like these from French Paper :

Craigs = awesomeness squared.

Bishop Craig is the one without the glasses...and one of my heroes. As is his wife, Katie - director and editor of the film. This project was created for a Stake Youth Standards night - as a warning to not just wander around YouTube - because you never know what you might find...


My favorite moment has to be the end - when all the other bishops join the shot - those smiles KILL ME. Also - one bishop is resting his head on another bishop's shoulder. Awesome (notice the capital A).

Just because I couldn't remember the words...

There was a time when I didn't know all the words to The Ballad of Davey Crockett and I would just repeat lines...like:

"Born on a mountain top in Tennessee,
Greenest state in the land of the free,
Kil't him a bear when he was only three...kil't him a bear when he was only three!
DAVEY! DAVEY CROCKETT!
King of the wild frontier!"

Fortunately my dear friend put the song on a cd for me - and now I can sing all the verses by heart. YES I CAN!

Today - I couldn't remember this song:


So - now I'll just listen to it repeatedly until I know it or get punched in the neck...

GLEE?

So - last night was the much anticipated and ice cream celebrated premier of Glee. I'd waited since MAY to see this show...and...I have to say it: It wasn't great. They'd certainly promoted the heck right out of the show - but they'd also don't that horrible thing that movie previews do: show all the funny bits ahead of time - so there is nothing fun or surprising left for the actual show. Most of the setups in the show - well, I just don't care that they're going to pay them off - and hate the fact that somehow we're supposed to root for our hero to cheat on his wife?! A pretend pregnancy?

I will give it time - because I really want Glee to be what it was in the pilot episode: funny and surprising and full of great (nerdy) singing and dancing. Is that too much to ask? Below is the extended trailer...if somehow you missed it...because you were stuck at the bottom of the ocean since May...

Delightful browsing...

It's been so long since I just wandered around the Interwebs - and I know I've been remiss in finding fun things for you folks to look at...so here's a new fun shop: Greer Chicago

Aren't these such cool things!?

Coasters...funny and functional. Just like me!

A pack of commendations - for just anything. I'd keep these in my purse to just hand out. That's what I'd do.

A perpetual calendar...reminds me of "Corky and the Sperm Whale."

Today...

So - the wedding of Geoff and Alexis is over - the party was grand. As soon as pictures are available, I'll post them. The story of the weekend will come soon - but I need more time to sit and type...

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor return from the coast this evening...to begin the drive to Colorado...with Trixie and Corky. Hopefully they will post pictures of the festivities in Cortez.

After the reception, we had a LOT of strawberries left over - so - being the industries little beaver I am, I made some strawberry bread from this recipe from 4 Reluctant Entertainers ...and just pulled it out of the oven. It smells really good - and has tons of sugar in it...so it should be very tasty.

***Update: Bread = delicious. But make sure you cook it long enough...***

Encyclopedia Miss-Fivica

Friends - I have been absent for FAR too long - and it's mostly been due to several factors: not as much time and not tons of things to talk about...

So - in an attempt to jump start my blog again - here's some much needed info for the Encyclopedia Miss-Fivica...

***********FOODOLOGY***********

1. What is your salad dressing of choice? Bleu Cheese or Red Wine Blush Vinigarette

2. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Restraunt Bleu...the student restaurant at the culinary school in Portland, Oregon.

3. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Mashed potatoes

4. What are your pizza toppings of choice? Canadian bacon - or if I'm in Canada: ham.

5. What do you like to put on your toast? Butter and crack jam. Or cinnamon sugar that my dad makes.

***********TECHNOLOGY***************

1. How many televisions are in your house? Three...plus laptops that can stream shows...

2. The color of your cell phone? Navy

3. How long would it take you to look up who invented the Rubber Band? Google tells me that it took me 0.40 seconds. So there.

4. Have any idea how many Megahertz your computer has? The one I'm working on has 2.6...or something...

***************BIOLOGY******************

1. Are you right-handed or left-handed? Left handed...and it's not a disability.

2. Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Teeth and hair and infected stuff. (Over share?)

3. What is the last heavy item you lifted? A giant container of peanut oil

4. Have you ever been knocked unconscious? I nearly passed out once - but not by being hit on the head.

************BULLCRAPOLOGY**************

1. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No - too much pressure. Deadlines are a little annoying.

2. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I really wouldn't...but maybe Your Highness.

3. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? Would I have to train for the experience or just do it and get the cash. If it's the first - then NO. If it's the second then: MAYBE.

************DUMBOLOGY******************

1. How many pairs of flip flops do you own? Currently only one pair. Weird.

2. Last time you had a run-in with the cops? The last "run-in" was in high school when our cast party was too loud and then we invited the officers in for cake.

3. Last person you talked to? Reyna and Seth

4. Last person you hugged? Eloise

**************FAVORITOLOGY****************

1. Season? Spring

2. Holiday? Thanksgiving. Or Easter.

3. Day of the week? Tuesday - but we've been over this.

4. Month? May

***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************

1. Missing someone? Yes

2. Mood? Alert

3. What are you listening to? The bugs outside...

4. Watching? Reyna, wrasslin' the baby...

***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************

1. First place you went this morning? The bathroom.

3. Do you smile often? I'd like to think I do.

4. Sleeping Alone Tonight? Yes.

***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************

1. Do you always answer your phone? Mostly - if I hear it and can get to it in time.

2. It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? My Dad.

3. If you could change your eye color what would it be? Blue

4. Do you own a digital camera? Yes - but it currently has a stuck shutter...so...no.

5. Have you ever had a pet fish? They were my brother's fish...

6. Favorite Christmas song(s)? The Drifters version of "White Christmas," Leon Redbone's "Christmas Island," Alvin Stoller's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and "Christmas Is All Around" by Billy Mack.

7. What's on your wish list for your birthday? That'll be on a post for next year.

8. Can you do push ups? No...but I like push-pops. Does that count?

9. Can you do a chin up? Which chin?

10. Does the future make you more nervous or excited? A little of both...

11. Do you have any saved texts? A few...the classics

12. Ever been in a car wreck? Oh yes...super special.

13. Do you have an accent? I feel like I'm starting to...which is funny. Two months and I sound like Ditka's sister...?

14. What is the last song to make you cry? Let Us All Press On.

15. Plans tonight? Staff meeting, reading...eating some chocolate?

16. Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? Not the very bottom, no. But I think I could see it.

17. Name 3 things you bought yesterday. Dude, it was Sunday.

18. Have you ever been given roses? I have and it was awesome.

19. Current worry? Not forgetting things I need to get done...

20. Current hate right now? Lying, cheating, dirt bags

21. Met someone who changed your life? Lots of people have changed my life - I'm very lucky.

22. How will you bring in the New Year? Hopefully watching Four Brothers.

23. What song represents you? "Hang On Little Tomato" by Pink Martini

24. Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? Sure!

26. Do you have any tattoos/piercing? I have pierced ears - but my left ear has bionic strength and closes overnight if I don't have something in it.

27. Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now? I am hopeful.

28. Does anyone love you? YES.

29. Ever had someone sing to you? I've been sung to sleep a lot.

30. When did you last cry? During my lesson in Relief Society yesterday.

31. Do you like to cuddle? Yes, I do.

32. Have you held hands with anyone today? Yes

33. What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school? Cyndi Lauper and Jimmy Buffett - no joke.

34. Are most of the friends in your life new or old? Both, I would say.

35. Do you like pulpy orange juice? I do - but for my birthday I was delivered fresh squeezed orange juice and it had been strained of all pulp. It was amazing.

It must be true...

According to the Interwebs here is what it means if your birth month is August...which mine totally is...

AUGUST

* Loves to joke
* Attractive
* Suave and caring
* Brave and fearless
* Firm and has leadership qualities
* Knows how to console others
* Too generous and egoistic
* Takes high pride of oneself
* Thirsty for praises
* Extraordinary spirit
* Easily angered
* Angry when provoked
* Easily jealous
* Observant
* Careful and cautious
* Thinks quickly
* Independent thoughts
* Loves to lead and to be led
* Loves to dream
* Talented in the arts, music and defense
* Sensitive but not petty
* Poor resistance against illnesses
* Learns to relax
* Hasty and rushy
* Romantic
* Loving and caring
* Loves to make friends

Head over here to find the meaning of YOUR birth month. Unless your birthday is this month, too...then...nevermind.

You needs a snack...

In case you're sitting there, needing a snack - you should go and get extra hungry at Cheese & Burger Society . The images are mouth watering and the descriptions are worthy of a National Geographic documentary. Go forth, and behold the beauty of the Cheese & Burger Society .

I'm not sure why I want one of these so BAD...but I do!

Happy Father's Day, DAD!

My Dad is so wonderful - thoughtful and helpful and brave and resourceful. He is uncomplicated and clever. He also chews his chips in the rhythm of Jingle Bells. No lie. I love him.

Might need one...

Image from here

Fun...in the sun or the shade...

Just in case you need some summer activities that are indoor - head over to Orisinal and play their many fun, beautiful, not at all annoying games. I love them. They are so pretty and the music is great. Choosing which game to play may be the worst part about them...

So very clever...

So - you just need to head over - I can't do it justice at all. Just go to Twig and Thistle . Now.

Which do YOU prefer?

When faced with the following options, my choices are in bold...and italics. Just in case you couldn't tell by the bold. I just like to be thorough. You know me.

Chocolate or raisins

Ketchup or mustard

Blue or green

Purple or yellow

Dogs or cats

Manta rays or sea horses

Cows or horses

Drums or guitars

Flutes or trombones

Crayons or markers

Batman or Superman

Climbing up or sliding down

Baths or showers

Shouting or whispering

Quarter or penny

I know this isn't terribly entertaining or exciting. But I needed to post something. I'm not apologizing here, I'm just saying...

It was a perfect day...

My Eternal Family

The Portland Oregon Temple

The Lovely Couple

Ralph and Wavie Siple

Geoffrey and Miss Five

Brent and MaryKate Berg & The Crockpot and the Missus

Three Generations

This is our family...

May 23, 2009

All pictures by Amy Cannon

The After Party

Grandma and Grandpa go through the line of the lovely luncheon

The theme of the luncheon was Circles.
One eternal round...round flowers, round food, round accents.

So many friends and family

Sandwiches on rolls, pasta salads - and my favorite - Tracy's Caprese

Lemon Blossoms - a big hit

All pictures by Amy Cannon

Today is a great day...

Today is great because:

The Binghams should be having their baby today.

I got to lay in bed as long as I wanted talking on the phone.

The sun is out and the sky is blue.

I have several great books to read.

My "to-do" list is pretty short and easy to accomplish (but I wrote it out anyway!).

Tonight I have ballroom dance class.

I'm not at work.

I'm getting ready to have family and friends visit for a very special event.

This afternoon I have a dental cleaning.

My many blessings are quite obvious.

Oh the week I had...

So - this past week was not the greatest...

Sunday: Tried to unplug griddle. Plug burst into flames in my hand. Result = second degree burns, bandages and sedation.Monday: Attacked by student. Kicked and hit and threatened.
Result = me sobbing in my car for 30 minutes and then pressure washing in the backyard.

Tuesday: Having to debrief attack. Cried some more.
Result = Extreme relief when the Binghams had a false alarm and I called in a sub for Wednesday.

Wednesday: Binghams didn't have baby. Head filled with pressure and was quite queasy all day.
Result = sleeping most of the day away. Kind of a waste and kind of a relief.

Thursday: Attacking student back at school after suspension. Continued with nausea and cold symptoms.
Result = not swine flu.

Friday: All students at school were flying high. Other staff getting slapped in the face.
Result = sheer joy at having made it through the week and to be at my dance class.

The weekend was SO much better - and going into this week things are already looking up. It's only a three day week at work, thanks to parent/teacher conferences.

Beaverton Farmer's Market 2009

A tradition continued this weekend with the season opening of the Beaverton Farmer's Market . You may remember that for the last few years, Dad and I have gone on the opening day to get flowers for Mom for Mother's Day. This year had a few added bonuses including a perfect blue sky and temperature and my brother working at the Market in the Bungalow Bread Co. booth!

Of course, Dad and I get there about 45 minutes before the opening bell. This allows for rock star parking (which is challenging for this event) and to wander the booths to get a head start on flower selection. We love the ladies at Ferrier Creek Nursery and the gents over at Ross' Nursery. The flowers are beautiful and a great price. Dad and I also love being able to just wander and see everyone getting ready and setting up.

Have you been to the Bungalow Bread Co. ? If not, you need to fix that...

They pretty much had to bake for two stores - the main store and the Farmer's Market booth. Well over 50 loaves...no fishes.

After the bell rang, we handed the checks over and we got our flowers loaded in the car. It was now 8:06 a.m. so Dad and I stopped for a breakfast crepe. And yes, I had a crepe with Nutella and bananas and whipped cream and cinnamon. Yay breakfast! Also - Zest Crepes is BRAND NEW! And they are good. Do stop if you're at the Market another day this season...

Dad had a savory crepe with ham and Gruyere, so he needed a maple bar chaser. Pretty standard, really.

I'm sure in love with this picture because it's so "my Dad." Suit, tie, maple bar, perfect 'stache.

While they were setting up, my brother was loading and hauling and stuff...so now we get to see him in action...

Their booth was pretty much this busy all day.

Geoff tells the customers all about the delicious breads and cookies...

But really - don't you think you need to go to the Farmer's Market ? It's so fun. The cool booths, the live music, tasty foods and delicious smells. And then you can go home and take a nap! Be sure to stop by and try some samples and get a loaf or two. May I recommend the Cinnamon Chip and the Cheddar Garlic breads? Perfect for french toast and grilled cheese sandwiches, respectively.

Awesome...

So - there is this tradition of wearing your prom dress or suit/tuxedo the next morning to church. I really dislike this tradition. It seems so weird and conspicuous. And some of the outfits look pretty silly and out of place at church. But then - two boys showed up today in these beauties...and it made my day...The butter yellow tux is so great - white shoes to match. And then you have the powder blue - with TAILS! What you can't see are the perfectly matched "cons" he's sporting. This picture was snapped in the hall, right after these boys had helped to distribute the Mother's Day gifts. Awesome.

F-U-N

I would love some of these...so if you're headed over...stop and get some at the store, would you?!

Listen...do you smell that?

I know several little boys what need one of these...bad.
Head over to Wu and Wu and get one...or two...

Death Salad...

So - okay fine. I almost killed a missionary last night. Mom had forgotten to tell the rest of the family (okay fine - me) that she'd signed up to serve dinner to the missionaries. We were on their calendar and they called mid-day to confirm. Good thing I had some delicious croissant sandwiches and salad and fruit left over - right?! At the shower I'd let the ladies know that the chicken salad had nuts in it. I forgot to mention that to the Elders before they started eating...and only a few bites in Elder Victim had to ask if their were nuts. People only ask if there are nuts in something if they are ALLERGIC to nuts...am I right?!

Good thing for me his allergy isn't TOO severe - just throat closing!! But regular old Benedryl did the job of antidote - and he ended up having Dino Bites and BBQ sauce for dinner. I feel so bad - because, man...I wasn't trying to kill him.

But believe me - if I was TRYING to kill you...you'd know.

Baby Shower for my friend Petie...

Today I hosted a baby shower for my friend Petie from Table and Singlepot . She's having her third baby and her first girl.

Miss Five and Petie before the ladies arrive. She just came from Russ...lucky.

Tables with fresh growing flowers and candles...room for all.

Giant cupcakes waiting in the kitchen to be served...

Up close...the picks were all different papers - to match the birds I made for the flowers on the tables.

See?!...MATCHING!
I am particularly proud of these birds because it was a project of tracing and cutting. I am not a good cutter-outer of things. At all. These few that I made took me a LONG time. And I am VERY proud of them.

The luncheon was cashew chicken salad sandwiches (on croissants), fresh green salad with cranberries and feta, and fresh fruit salad (including mangoes and pineapple).

There were lots of cute gifts - cuz it's a girls shower! But the HIT had to be the sparkly pink Converse that Kourtney brought. WOW. Do they come in a ladies 9?

So, now it's over. The shower was such fun. I got to meet new ladies and reconnect with a friend from high school! And mostly - I got to have lunch and visit with my friend, Petie.

Good luck, Miss Petie - and I am very excited to meet the newest Bingham!