I sent this survey to Elder Taylor and hope that he will complete it and return it...but then...wanted to fill it out myself...
What are you wearing today? Well - I was in my
jammies until about 10 a.m. and then jeans and a pink shirt. I finally showered at 3:15 p.m. and wore my tan
capris, and a blue cotton shirt and a white
cami. And flip flops. Also: don't judge me. If I could stay in my
jammies all day - I would do so most days.
What was the last thing you had to drink? Raspberry Lemonade Crystal Light in a water bottle. It's my new favorite beverage. And I HATE Crystal Light.
Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it? Um. If I can convince my Dad to do it - I prefer that. But otherwise the car wash does it.
When was the last time you ran? The last time I ran was showing the kids at my acting workshop how to do the Vocal Dash. You run as far as you can while holding a note or yelling and once you have to take a breath - you must stop. I did pretty good, and surprised even myself.
What's your favorite animal? Why? I love Penny dog. She is soft and friendly and great company. She is often a shadow - but I don't mind that. I also love chinchillas because they are so soft - but I don't get to hang out with chinchillas very often.
What is your dream vacation? Right now it's two weeks in the
Seychelles.
What is the worst injury you've had? The worst injuries I've had were as a result of my car accident in 2000. Cracked ribs, damaged muscles, contusions, emotional scarring. Those were the injuries with the longest recovery and lasting effects. I also had toes lacerated when a set piece rolled over them. And I also "broke" my arm...but I didn't get a real cast - so I'm not willing to count that.
Do you collect anything? If yes, what and why? At this time I don't really have a collection - but have decided that I want to collect aprons. I love them. I wear one almost daily. And they can be so beautiful. I like the idea of a collection that is functional. Collecting
Hummel figurines just seems like such a waste...you can't play with them or use them for much function beyond catching dust.
Do you like hot sauce? I do not like hot sauce. I am for sure the odd one at the
Malleys - as they all enjoy the hot sauces. My pallet is just wussy. That's all there is to it.
I stitched the writing and the "Jolly Roger" on the sail, the rest was just applique.
Detail of the top
Detail of the bottom. I do hope he likes it. If not...I'm taking it back.
Are you a little sad that fall has arrived, and the fresh produce at the market is becoming more expensive? Well - be sad no more, friend. Epicurious has a wonderful interactive map that will allow you to see what is currently in season as well as wonderful recipes to use the in season fruit and veg. What will you be enjoying? Go find out!
My Dad is super manly - and I wonder now if he's been secretly visiting The Art of Manliness. I am so impressed with the wealth of knowledge of how to be manly - from how to jump a car to how to survive a street fight or how to rock a pocket handkerchief. Check it out...you may learn something!
Only a few people out there will fully appreciate the title (and you know who you are) - but I had planned for months to go up to Seattle on October 3rd to hear Neil Gaiman read from his newest release, The Graveyard Book. But now that I'm working at a school (which really means working in a petri dish) I've finally come down with a cold and decided that no one would appreciate me coughing through the entire reading.
This is Megaman. He is the delicious new addition to my cousin's, Mrs Doctor, family. And today he was diagnosed with Metopic Craniosynostosis where the soft spot on his head has closed too quickly. His older brother, Dude has the same condition. I'm not sure what all it will mean for him and his family - but I do know that prayers and love need to be sent their way. Done and done.
Ooo la la...
So - right now I'm having a kind of Rear Window moment. The next door neighbors sound like they're disposing of a body. Shovels, dirt, cover of darkness. I'm hoping it's just a family pet that died because kids are even in on it! What should I do!?
Tomorrow I head back to school - not as a student (shocking, I know) but as part of the staff. I'm quite excited for what the year will hold. This year will be quite busy and full of adventures and fun, both at school and here at the homestead.
Eating at Babe's. A polish for me?!
The Taste. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries? Yes, please.
Sweet little babies eating cupcakes.
Okay - so this was the day when the new kitchen table arrived - and so we had lunch on the chairs in the dining room. It started as a joke - but then everyone just sat and ate their lunch. It cracked me up that they all just sat there.
Super Bennett, rockin' some shades.
Super girl - off to save the world from bad fashion.
Lincoln didn't quite make it to the main course and instead chose to sleep in his chair.
It looks like a painting, doesn't it? But no - it's for reals!
The room was wonderful and the service was so friendly and helpful.
It was very well done, although I don't think the three under a year old were able to fully
I know there are prettier pictures of the temple, but this is what I saw - and it was just so lovely. It was so beautiful and a perfect addition to the day. I will also say that the workers at this temple may be the friendliest I've encountered. At every turn there was a friendly face ready to make sure you knew where you were headed. So great.
I have to imagine that during the busy season this place is quite packed - because it was very busy on Saturday night - and the "season" had ended the weekend before. The people watching was a very rich experience.
Seriously - I loved the location! Such a beautiful and peaceful morning.
Most were closed until later in the afternoon - but it was fun to just walk the streets and imagine what it might have been like to be in Nauvoo in 1844ish.
Here is the view from the "Trail" looking back to the Nauvoo Temple in the distance on the hill.
The "Trail of Hope" leads to the edge of the Mississippi River where the Saints crossed the river, leaving everything they'd built and loved behind. It really was such a moving experience. I loved being there. Every few yards there are plaques with excerpts from the journals and diaries of those who had no choice but to walk the "Trail." Such a beautiful Sabbath morning.
GO CUBS!
Tasty, no?
DUDE...it's on FIRE!!
So - now I'm 29 and loving it. Thank you for all the calls, messages, e-mails, wishes, gifts, offerings, and love. 
